BVA launches new food procurement policy
The BVA has pledged to use British and free range eggs whenever possible.
A new food procurement policy that champions animal welfare sustainability and member priorities has been launched by the BVA.
The policy follows a recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, in which 90 per cent of members cited British as the most important factor when buying meat or dairy products.
The checklist that accompanies BVA’s food procurement policy lists British, free range, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Assured for fish that have not been farmed.
It also lists either Red Tractor or RSPCA Assured as essential attributes that BVA food suppliers and retailers must meet as part of their service delivery. Local or seasonal food should be used whenever possible.
Commenting on the new policy, BVA president Gudrun Ravetz said: “Ensuring the health and welfare of sentient animals is important as a marker of social progress and expanding our roles in these areas and debates is a commitment we have made through the Vet Futures project,” she said.
“While our new food procurement policy might seem a small step towards assuring animal welfare within BVA’s suppliers and service delivery, it is an important step in turning words in to action and signals the importance the veterinary profession places on ensuring animal welfare is prioritised alongside other essential sustainability objectives such as environmental protection, food security and tackling AMR.”
The new policy applies to all BVA meetings, events and dinners, as well as room hire at BVA’s Mansfield Street Office.
Other veterinary organisations and individual members are encouraged to adopt or use the policy as a good practice guide in their own working arrangements.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
