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Weidemilch Label Misleads Consumers on Animal Welfare

Weidemilch doesn't guarantee high animal welfare. To ensure better conditions, look for specific labels like 'Pro Weideland' or 'Mehr Tierwohl'.

In this image there are cows sitting on the ground. Behind them there's grass on the ground. In the...
In this image there are cows sitting on the ground. Behind them there's grass on the ground. In the background there is a wooden wall. There is a rope to the wall.

Weidemilch Label Misleads Consumers on Animal Welfare

Consumers may be misled by the term 'weidemilch' on milk packaging, as it doesn't guarantee certain animal welfare standards. While cows producing it must spend time on pasture, the specifics vary among providers.

Weidemilch is not a legally protected term, so cow keeping and feeding practices differ among producers. Typically, cows must spend around 120 days a year on pasture, with at least six hours each day. However, consumers may not be aware of the conditions during the remaining days.

To ensure better animal welfare, look for labels such as 'Pro Weideland' or 'Mehr Tierwohl'. These guarantee cows spend around 120 to 150 days annually on pasture, avoiding tethering. The 3, 4, and 5 logo on packaging also exclude tethering. However, the 3 logo alone doesn't guarantee cows aren't kept in stalls. Premium stage labels and bio-labels further ensure no tethering and no GM feed.

The Consumer Center NRW provides clarity on weidemilch at www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/node/35574. To make informed decisions, consumers should look for specific labels that guarantee better animal welfare standards beyond the weidemilch requirement.

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