In the context of its social responsibility and working for more sustainable production, Mercadona is committed to animal welfare, an essential ethical and social demand that the company shares with suppliers of own-brand products of animal origin.

Mercadona’s objective is to produce its whole selection sustainably and has therefore had an Animal Welfare Policy for many years. This Policy represents the commitment and effort of the company and its suppliers to guaranteeing not only the maximum quality and safety of products, but also decent conditions throughout the animal’s life, both on farms and in the rest of the processes.

As part of this commitment, Mercadona requires all its suppliers of meat, eggs and milk to be certified in internationally recognised Animal Welfare standards and for their practices to be audited by independent bodies.

Animal Welfare Policy

Mercadona’s involvement with animal welfare is established in the following commitments set out in its Animal Welfare Policy:

1. GUARANTEEING “THE 5 FREEDOMS” OF ANIMALS

The main purpose of the Animal Welfare Policy is to ensure that animals are raised in good conditions which ensure compliance with the 5 freedoms (5F):

• Being well-fed. Animals must be free from hunger and thirst, always having access to drinking water and a suitable diet for their health and strength.
• Comfortable environment. Animals must always be in a suitable environment and comfortable accommodation, with areas for rest and shelter, with shade and good air quality.
• Being healthy and strong. Animals must be in good health and receive proper attention, based on prevention (taking care of their posture, avoiding pain, illness or injuries), rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment, if necessary.
• Natural behaviour. Guaranteeing that animals can express normal and appropriate behaviour; providing them with sufficient space in good installations, and being in the company of animals of their own species.
• Stability and safety. Offering animals a stable and safe life, guaranteeing appropriate handling and avoiding any situation of fear or suffering.

2. TRAINING ON LIVESTOCK FARMS

• Personnel at livestock farms and in all other processes must have the appropriate training to avoid any type of pain or suffering caused by handling in raising, transport and/or slaughter.

3. MEAT, EGGS AND MILK CERTIFIED IN ANIMAL WELFARE

• All suppliers of meat, eggs and milk must be certified in Animal Welfare by internationally recognised standards which fulfil the validity requirements established by Mercadona. This certification must be valid at all times.

4. SUPPLIERS ADHERENT TO PRAN

• In order to sustainably maintain the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and reduce their consumption, Spanish suppliers must be adherent to the National Plan Against Antibiotic Resistance (PRAN).

5. CCTV RECORDING SYSTEMS

• Slaughter centres which work on products for Mercadona must have CCTV recording and image storage systems in order to monitor proper animal handling.

6. FREE-RANGE CHICKEN EGGS IN 2025

• Today, Mercadona already offers eggs from chickens which are free-range throughout the chain; both from free-range chickens and cage-free chickens.

• 100% of fresh eggs will be from cage-free, free-range or free-run chickens in non-combination systems*, before the end of 2025.

*A “non-combination” system is one which cannot be converted back into a caged system.

7. COSMETICS NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS

• Own-brand cosmetic products are not tested on animals.

The current Policy is subject to alteration (which will be communicated, if applicable), in order to remain up to date with regard to changes which occur in the field of Animal Welfare.

Summary of the Mercadona Animal Welfare Policy.

In addition to its own Animal Welfare Policy, Mercadona undertakes various strategies focused on sustainable production, such as the Sustainable Fishing Policy and the Guidelines on Ethical Conduct for Suppliers. The purpose of Mercadona’s production model is to balance economic growth with social inclusion and care for the environment; Mercadona therefore works toward industrial development which does not jeopardise the production, social or environmental needs of future generations.

To learn about Mercadona’s other actions and commitments on sustainable production, the environment or social responsibility, visit Let’s Take Care of the Planet or Social Responsibility.