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Aldi refrigerated counter: In the future only levels three and four
Photo: ALDI / obs
After fresh meat, Aldi is taking the next step in animal husbandry and also wants to switch chilled meat and sausage products completely to the two highest forms of husbandry.
By 2030, the discounter wants to completely convert these goods to forms three and four, as announced by Aldi.
Aldi explained that almost half of the annual meat consumption is accounted for by meat and sausage products.
Therefore, the sale of these goods is of “great importance in the conversion of livestock husbandry to make it more animal-friendly”.
The innovation applies equally to Aldi Süd and Aldi Nord.
Aldi had announced the switch to fresh meat in 2021, and processed goods such as salami and sausages are now being added.
The changeover relates to a four-stage husbandry labeling system in the trade, which begins with stage one with the legal minimum standard - that means »stall husbandry«.
According to the company, a phased plan is planned.
By 2025, Aldi wants to completely dispense with goods from husbandry form one.
By 2026, a third of the meat and sausage products should come from husbandry forms three and four, and by 2030 the two higher husbandry forms should be completely switched over.
These forms of husbandry are »outdoor climate« and »premium«.
More space for the animals, more employment opportunities, access to fresh air and better feed are planned.
Federal Food Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) welcomed the announced changeover.
Meat consumption is falling steadily, but at the same time consumers want animals to be kept better, he said.
»Responding to this is market economy, nothing else.«
The discounter Lidl had announced that it would increase the proportion of plant-based protein sources by 2025, including more vegan products.
According to Özdemir, the food retail trade is sending an important signal to farmers that the demand for products from more animal-friendly husbandry is increasing and that money can be made with it.
This gives domestic farms a reliable planning perspective.
The market is changing, said Özdemir.
»Anyone who now acts as if everything can remain as it is is putting animal husbandry in Germany at risk, many farms on which families depend.«
Foodwatch review
On the other hand, there was criticism from the consumer organization Foodwatch.
It should be pretended that the purchase of products from levels three and four can improve the lives of the animals in the long term.
However, misleading labeling of animal husbandry does not help against illness and misery of animals, but complete laws are necessary for better animal health.
Greenpeace welcomed the fact that with the announcement by Aldi cheap meat in the supermarket is now "more and more becoming a discontinued model".
Taking cheap meat off the shelves in this segment as well "means less animal suffering and more protection for the climate," explained the environmental protection organization.
hba/dpa/AFP
