In this article, we break down the main myths and facts about animal welfare certification to show that the path toward more ethical and responsible production is more accessible than it seems. If you work with animal production or use animal-based products in your supply chain, this is worth reading.

Is certification really for everyone?

Yes. Contrary to popular belief, animal welfare certification does not depend on the size of the farm or company. What truly matters is the commitment to best practices. Both small and large producers can become certified, as long as they follow the standards and are organized to meet the established criteria.

Is it expensive?

No. The process involves clear and proportional fees based on the size of the operation. Costs include document review, on-site audits and annual renewal. In fact, certification can lead to long-term savings, animals raised with proper care get sick less often, are more productive and add value to the final product.

Is it a complicated process?

Another myth. The standards are objective and science-based. They guide how to ensure that animals have enough space, comfort, proper access to food and clean water, and live free from pain, stress and mistreatment. With proper planning and transparency, any producer can comply.

Why do these myths still exist?

Much of the resistance comes from misinformation. As with any improvement process, questions and hesitation are common. But the market has evolved, and consumers are paying more attention to the origin of what they consume. Being certified is also a way to stand out and strengthen your market position.

Is the Certified Humane® label truly reliable?

Yes. Since 2003, the program has been active in several countries, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and the United States,certifying meat, dairy, and egg producers through rigorous and regular audits. The seal assures consumers that the product complies with international animal welfare standards.

There are no economic or geographic barriers for those who want to produce ethically. The first step is seeking reliable information. The Certified Humane® seal is within reach for anyone who values respect for farm animals and aims to offer more responsible products.

Want to learn more about how certification works and debunk the most common myths?

👉 Download the free guide “What You Need to Know to Certify Your Industrial Operation with an Animal Welfare Seal” and discover why this practice benefits producers, businesses, and consumers alike.

While it’s well known that animals feel pain, pleasure, and happiness, it’s harder to recognize when they are irritated, stressed, or depressed—or to understand what bothers them. This lack of knowledge affects how we improve their living conditions and protect them from threats to their well-being.

The concept of animal freedoms gained traction in the 1960s, evolving into practical measures and guidelines that inform the proper rearing and management of different species monitored by certification programs.

In recent years, awareness about animal welfare has grown significantly, reflected in striking data. According to a recent Open Wing Alliance report, 89% of commitments to cage-free eggs with deadlines in 2023 or earlier have been fulfilled. This has freed hundreds of millions of hens from cruel confinement. However, despite this progress, approximately 4 billion hens remain in cages, where their inability to express natural behaviors compromises their physical and mental health.

In this article, explore the five basic freedoms of animals and how welfare certification ensures these practices are upheld by producers.

The Origins of the Five Freedoms of Animals

The discussion around animal freedoms gained prominence when governments, businesses, and consumers began addressing the topic in the 1960s in Europe, particularly in England, where the concept originated.

In 1964, British journalist and veterinarian Ruth Harrison published Animal Machines, which exposed abusive conditions in farming, such as overcrowded poultry farms, cruel cattle slaughter practices, and inadequate nursing spaces for pigs.

For the first time, the English public was confronted with the harsh realities of animal farming behind the food on their tables.

The publication shocked public opinion, prompting the British government to form a committee led by researcher Francis Brambell, a prominent figure in animal health and immunology.

A 1965 report from the committee revealed that many animals in England were kept in spaces unsuitable for basic natural behaviors. This report coined the term and principles that became known as the Five Freedoms of Animals.

Five Guidelines to Ensure Animal Freedoms

The findings of the 1965 report led to the establishment of the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1979. This body created a document outlining principles that continue to guide best practices in animal welfare and related legislation.

This document is akin to a declaration of animal rights, listing the Five Freedoms of Animals:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst: Animals should have access to adequate water and food to maintain health and vitality.
2. Freedom from discomfort: Animals must live in environments appropriate to their species, providing proper shelter and resting areas.
3. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease: Caregivers must ensure prevention, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
4. Freedom to express natural behaviors: Animals should have the space, facilities, and social interactions necessary to express their natural behaviors.
5. Freedom from fear and distress: Animals should not be subjected to conditions that cause mental suffering, such as fear or stress.

Best Practices in Animal Welfare for Different Species

To ensure that various species are treated according to welfare guidelines reflecting their natural behaviors, producers must align their practices with scientific, technical, and practical recommendations.

Respecting and caring for animals reduces production costs, meets consumer demands for animal-friendly practices, enhances productivity, and ensures high-quality end products.

Welfare for Chickens

Proper handling and care in chicken farming are essential to ensure their welfare. Confinement prevents natural behaviors, while stress and fear weaken their physical resistance to diseases. Adopting cage-free systems is critical for their well-being.

Welfare for Cows

For dairy cows, safe facilities are necessary to prevent injuries, infections, and stress. Proper nutrition, clean environments, and sufficient space ensure they can express natural behaviors and remain healthy.

Welfare for Pigs

Pigs thrive in environments designed to meet their needs. Adequate space, safe infrastructure, and comfortable resting areas prevent injuries, stress, and behavioral issues. Proper ventilation and temperature control are also critical for their health.

Why Certification Matters for Animal Welfare

Animal welfare certification programs ensure farms, factories, and companies in the food chain comply with standards for species management and invest in research and education. These certifications guarantee that products meet stringent welfare standards, ensuring animals are treated humanely and that end products are safe and cruelty-free.

Elevated animal welfare standards result in higher product quality, reduced mortality, increased resistance to diseases, and fewer zoonotic risks.

Curious about how certification processes add value, differentiate products, and open new markets? Read more to find out!

The article explores how innovative initiatives, such as Happy Hens Farm, led by Manjunath Marappan, are transforming the sector with greater animal welfare and sustainability. Check out the article: 

Manjunath Marappan, founder of Happy Hens Farm, recalls the days when all chickens in India were cage-free, like those raised by his grandmother, who scratched for grain and worms in the backyard. 

However, since the 1980s, egg production in the country has changed. 

The increased demand for eggs and chicken meat led to an industrialization of production, concentrating it in small, confined spaces where the hens lost their freedom.

A return to their roots

Marappan believes that this transition has resulted in significant losses for consumers and producers. For him, reviving more traditional and ethical practices brings benefits such as better job opportunities, healthier food and improved animal welfare. 

Motivated by this vision, Marappan and his partner Ashok Kanna founded Happy Hens Farm in 2015, where all the chickens are free-range and live in a more natural way, with beaks and wings intact.

In 2024, Happy Hens Farm was internationally recognized by being presented with the Good Egg Award by Compassion in World Farming, making it the first Indian company to win this honour. 

Today, several farms in southern Indian states are part of its network, bringing together experienced and novice farmers who share knowledge and sustainable practices.

Impact on the local economy

As well as offering training and market support, Happy Hens Farm works with native chicken breeds, which are better adapted to life outdoors. 

The cage-free egg production model is less intensive than the industrial one, allowing small farmers to keep up to 3,000 birds on their farms, compared to 20,000 in industrial environments.

The company has also generated consistent income for local farmers. A farmer with 300 chickens can earn around 10,000 rupees a month, a significant income for small producers. 

Marappan points out that 100% of the eggs produced are sold, thanks to the adoption of an innovative program: cage-free credits.

What are Cage-Free Credits?

Launched by Global Food Partners, this system allows food and hospitality companies to offset the use of conventional eggs by directly supporting farms that produce eggs with animal welfare certification. 

Companies such as Unilever and Krispy Kreme have already joined the program, which connects buyers with producers in remote areas.

The program works like this: if a company is in a location where cage-free eggs are not available, it can pay Happy Hens Farm the difference between the price of conventional eggs and welfare-certified eggs, directly encouraging sustainable production.

Challenges and opportunities

Although there are challenges, such as predators and a higher risk of disease in open environments, Marappan believes that the model is viable and scalable. 

He sees cage-free credits as a short-term solution to create capacity and infrastructure, allowing for a gradual transition to a cage-free market.

The future of eggs in Asia

As more companies commit to global animal welfare goals, the demand for cage-free eggs is expected to grow. 

According to the CEO of Global Food Partners, Elissa Lane, Asia is an emerging market in this movement, with notable progress in countries such as China, Thailand and Indonesia.

Although cage-free credits are still a new concept, they have the potential to revolutionize egg production by encouraging ethical and sustainable practices, such as those at Happy Hens Farm, which is certified by the Certified Humane® seal, recognizing its high animal welfare standards.

Recently, the Yogyakarta region in Indonesia launched the first cage-free district, standing out as an example in promoting sustainable and humane practices in animal production.

Companies, consumers, and researchers across Asia are increasingly aligning with these practices. According to data presented in a study published in Frontiers in Animal Science, which evaluated the impact of animal welfare practices in various Asian countries including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China, there has been significant growth in the commitment of companies to cage-free egg production.

This study highlights the growing awareness and adoption of more ethical and sustainable production systems in the region, reflecting a global movement towards improving the living conditions of production animals. For more details on this research, access the full study here.

The relevant information about Asian countries mentioned on the site includes:

• Taiwan is cited as having a growing commitment to cage-free egg production. Some Taiwanese companies are being highlighted for their commitment to animal welfare by adhering to cage-free production.
• In Japan, there is a growing movement to promote cage-free egg production, with several Japanese companies establishing commitments to eliminate cages in their supply chains.
• South Korea is also mentioned for its initiatives in adopting cage-free production systems, with some South Korean companies demonstrating leadership in the region.
• China is noted for beginning to engage in animal welfare practices, with some Chinese companies being evaluated and showing signs of commitment to cage-free production.
• In the Asian financial market, this issue is already part of important indicators to encourage sustainable systems and protect the reputation of institutions that buy and sell shares.
• Among Asian consumers, the refusal to purchase products that do not consider these concerns is growing. This scenario has led to an increasing demand for animal welfare certification across the region.

What is animal welfare and why is it important?

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), animal welfare is defined as “the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies.”

This means that farming should allow animals to express their natural behavior throughout their lives and not be exposed to physical or psychological suffering, being well cared for from birth to slaughter.

In the Asian context, this concern is crucial not only for humanitarian reasons but also for its impact on public health, food safety, and long-term economic development.

The implementation of animal welfare practices in countries like Indonesia can positively influence other markets in Asia, expanding the reach of these practices.

What does an animal need for its welfare?

To ensure the welfare of production animals in Asia, it is necessary to provide conditions that favor their development, such as:

• A balanced diet for good nutrition;
• Appropriate conditions for feeding, resting, and movement, avoiding the use of cages;
• Restriction of medications like antibiotics only for treating diseases, not for accelerating growth;
• Respectful handling, promoting positive contact with the animals and avoiding unnecessary situations of stress and fear.

Each species requires specific conditions to develop well, and producers in Asia should seek specific information for their farming practices.

What is animal welfare certification?

Animal welfare certification in Asia is a process that involves adapting production to standards that establish favorable living conditions for animals, with inspections of the facilities. The result is the issuance of a seal that can be used on the packaging of certified products.

In Asia, where awareness of animal welfare is rapidly growing, this certification is a way to align with global and regional trends in animal care. For Asian consumers, it is a guarantee that they are purchasing products from brands that treat animals with dignity.

Why does having an animal welfare seal make a difference?

The animal welfare certification seal brings benefits to both producers and consumers in Asia, from an economic perspective, product quality, and awareness of animal rights. Among the benefits are:

• Improvement in product quality, with better taste, texture, and appearance of meat;
• Reduction in animal mortality;
• Increased resistance of animals to diseases, with less need for medications;
• Lower risk of zoonoses and foodborne diseases.

These benefits increase productivity and efficiency, as well as positively impact the company’s reputation. In Asia, these certification processes allow product differentiation, adding value and opening new markets, such as the emerging cage-free districts.

What do I need to do to obtain the certificate?

The animal welfare certification process is accessible to companies and producers of all sizes in Asia. The required adaptations in farming do not necessarily require large financial investments, and inspection fees are proportional to the size of the production.

The step-by-step process to become a certified brand in Asia is:

1. Preparation: Learn the standards and adjust your facilities. Specific guidelines for Asia are available online.
2. Application: The application can be made in different modalities according to the type of operation. For more information, click here.
3. Inspection: An inspector will conduct an on-site verification of the animal rearing conditions. The report will be analyzed for the issuance of the decision.
4. Decision: If the standards are met, the certification seal will be granted. For adjustments, a conditional certification document will be issued, and after the adaptations, the certificate will be received.

In a region where conscious consumption is on the rise, the Certified Humane certification stands out as a standard of excellence that ensures proper animal handling and welfare practices.

Animal welfare is already a global trend. Proof of this is that the Certified Humane certification has arrived in Asia, with Toh Thye San Farms (TTS) and Chew’s Farm in Singapore, as well as Liang Kee Farming in Malaysia, earning the animal welfare seal.

To learn more about Certified Humane certification in Asia, visit Certified Humane Asia.

TTS: a pioneer in animal welfare in Singapore

Toh Thye San Farm (TTS), based in Singapore, is a pioneer in the region, adopting animal welfare practices in its operations.

TTS, which owns Gesing Group Sdn. Bhd. (GGSB) operating in Malaysia, is dedicated to broiler chicken production, raising about 120,000 chickens per month under strict quality control.

The company sought the Certified Humane seal to elevate its production standards and stand out in its segment.

Liang Kee Farming: raising healthier and happier hens

Liang Kee Farming, located in Malaysia, transformed its operation from a traditional caged system to a free-range model, ensuring that its laying hens live freely with daily access to outdoor areas.

Producing about 300,000 eggs per day, the farm invested in the cage-free production system to improve egg quality and secure animal welfare certification.

Chew’s Farm: a forerunner in cage-free egg production

With a strong commitment to respecting the environment and animals, Chew’s Farm in Singapore was the first to adopt the cage-free system for egg production.

With 650,000 hens, of which 19,000 are raised in the cage-free system, the company sought the Certified Humane seal to gain international recognition and meet the growing consumer demand for superior quality products.

The production is distributed to major supermarket chains and online sales platforms such as Redmart and Amazon Prime.

Benefits of certification for Asian companies

Companies that invest in compassionate production processes not only meet market expectations but also reap a range of benefits, including:

• Responsible brand promotion, especially in increasingly demanding Asian markets;
• Positioning in favor of a dignified life for animals, resonating with the growing values of social responsibility in the region;
• Increased production capacity, as studies show that animals raised with welfare practices are more efficient;
• Assurance of product quality, essential for competing in markets that require high standards;
• Opening of new markets or sale of products in countries that require animal welfare certification, as part of a global movement that is impacting Asia;
• Reduced risks for investors, improving the business’s position by offering products that meet consumer and market expectations.

Essential for animal welfare certification

The Certified Humane seal can be requested by companies of any size in Asia, from multinationals to regional businesses.

For animal producers, the most important thing is to strictly follow the specific standards for the species being certified. Download the species-specific guidelines: laying hens and broiler chickens.

Food processors in Asia must also ensure that their raw materials are sourced from certified producers. This includes monitoring performance records in each segment of the production chain. Here are some examples of necessary controls:

• Monitoring ammonia levels and temperature in the facilities;
• Adequate lighting program for animal welfare;
• Recording mortality rates and their causes to better manage animal quality of life.

These controls provide Certified Humane inspectors with a comprehensive view of what happens on the farm or factory. Additionally, the following documents are required:

• Diagram of the facilities (dimensions of stables, barns, pens, and pastures, size and type of feeders and drinkers, type of ventilation systems, etc.);
• Records of animal feed ingredients and their respective suppliers;
• Records of food and water consumption;
• Animal entry and exit logs;
• Health records;
• Maintenance of equipment and training of those responsible for animal handling;
• Biosafety policies, cleaning, and disinfection protocols;
• Sanitary records from local authorities;
• Emergency contacts.

Any food containing animal-derived raw materials can obtain the Certified Humane seal. Leading companies such as Barilla, Korin, and Ovobrand already have this certification, ensuring that their products meet the highest animal welfare standards. The main rules include:

• Sourcing all raw materials from suppliers that already have Certified Humane certification, whether it’s eggs, milk, meat, or wool;
• Submitting to annual traceability inspections, verifying the effectiveness of controls over the separation of raw materials from receipt to the shipment of final products packaged with the certification seal.

It’s important to note that companies producing pasta, frozen chicken-based dishes, pizzas, dairy products, pork sausages, pet food, biscuits, and other products can also be certified.

Restaurants using ingredients certified by the Certified Humane® program can also receive certification and include the certifier’s logo on the menu. Even non-food products made with sheep’s wool or goat milk-based cosmetics can bear the animal welfare certification seal.

To learn more about how your company in Asia can obtain Certified Humane certification, visit Certified Humane Asia.

The first step to obtaining the Certified Humane animal welfare seal is to familiarize yourself with the best practices that should be followed on your property by analyzing the specific standards for the species you wish to certify.

This will help you identify any changes or adaptations needed for your operation to be certified. For more information about certification in Asia, visit Certified Humane Asia.

The primary goal of the certification program, through the animal welfare seal, is to ensure that animals are raised free from physical, psychological, or environmental discomfort.

Each species has its own specific needs, and it is important to adapt handling practices to ensure animal welfare according to these requirements. Learn about the standards for your species here.

Initial assessment

Those interested in obtaining the animal welfare seal must first submit an initial request. At this stage, the producer completes a detailed questionnaire about the operation (farm, ranch, or company).

The questions cover topics such as the number of animals, infrastructure of aviaries, pens, paddocks, or stables, as well as the resources used in all stages of production, from rearing to slaughter.

After submitting the questionnaire, Certified Humane technicians conduct an initial assessment.

Based on this assessment, they may approve the continuation of the certification process or return the questionnaire, pointing out non-compliances that need to be corrected to meet animal welfare standards.

On-site audit

Once the questionnaire is validated, Certified Humane sends the applicant a budget for inspection and request services.

Upon approval of this budget, an inspector is assigned to visit the property and verify all aspects of the operation for which the animal welfare seal was requested.

The purpose of inspections is to ensure that good animal husbandry practices are being applied and that the ingredients used in products labeled with the Certified Humane seal are traceable.

The entire inspection process, from the initial request, is usually completed within 30 days. If everything is in order, the technicians’ evaluation is positive, allowing producers or companies to use the animal welfare seal on their products.

However, it is common for non-compliances to be identified during audits. In such cases, the producer must correct them and submit evidence for evaluation. If the number of non-compliances is too high, a new inspection may be required.

Group certification for producers in Asia

For integrated producers or cooperatives organized into a larger group, there is the option of group certification.

This model enables the certification of several producers at once but requires the implementation of an Internal Control System (ICS), which ensures that all group members continuously meet animal welfare requirements.

The ICS is managed by the integrating company or cooperative and must include annual animal welfare audits for all group participants.

During the annual inspection conducted by Certified Humane, the inspector will assess the effectiveness of the ICS and audit a sample of the group (at least 10% of the members) to ensure that animal welfare standards are being followed. Each year, this sample of producers is changed, providing continuous and comprehensive evaluation.

Group certification is an excellent option for producers in Asia who want to ensure that all members of their supply chain meet the highest standards of animal welfare.

For more details on how to implement this system, visit Certified Humane Asia.