Switzerland Pioneers Animal Suffering Labels on Food Products
Switzerland became the world's first country to require mandatory labeling of meat, eggs, and dairy products linked to animal suffering when new regulations took effect in July 2025, forcing retailers to disclose when products come from animals subjected to painful procedures.
The groundbreaking legislation requires clear labeling on packaging when animals have undergone procedures such as castration or dehorning without anesthesia in cattle, or tail docking and tooth removal in pigs. The rules even extend to more extreme cases, including products from live frogs subjected to painful procedures.
The Swiss government's crackdown comes amid widespread non-compliance in the industry. Authorities found faulty labeling in around 60% of outlets inspected in 2023, prompting stricter enforcement measures. Under the new rules, banned products will be withdrawn from sale and offending businesses may face prosecution.
The labeling requirements build upon Switzerland's existing Animal Welfare Act, which establishes that no person may improperly subject an animal to pain, suffering, harm or fear. The comprehensive legislation covers all vertebrates and mandates that painful procedures must generally be carried out under anesthesia.
Consumer advocacy groups have praised the move as a significant step toward ethical transparency in food production. "This allows consumers to make truly informed decisions about their food purchases based on their values regarding animal welfare," said one industry observer.
The initiative represents a fundamental shift in how food transparency is regulated, potentially setting a precedent for similar legislation in other countries as public concern about animal welfare in agriculture continues to grow. Switzerland's bold approach demonstrates how governments can respond to increasing consumer demand for information about the ethical implications of their food choices.
At AVM, we congratulate Switzerland's progressive moves and hope other countries can follow suit. Retailers across Switzerland are now adapting their supply chains and labeling systems to comply with the new requirements, marking what many consider a watershed moment in food industry transparency.