The University of Nottingham has been recognised as a Good Egg in the Compassion in World Farming’s 2011 Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards.
The Good Egg Awards celebrate companies who use only cage-free eggs or egg products.
Since 2006 it has been the policy of the University to buy only free-range eggs. Every year 200,000 of them are used across its catering outlets.
Karen Knight, Commercial Business Manager in the University’s Commercial Services Department, said: “Both students and conference organisers alike recognise the importance of obtaining food from ethically-sound suppliers. With more than 20 catering outlets across the University we are delighted to receive the Good Egg award and feel that it is a true recognition of the University’s commitment to ongoing responsible food sourcing.”
Compassion in World Farming’s Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards recognise companies that are committed to implementing substantial changes and for making progress in their sourcing of meat, eggs and dairy products.
The University was among some 40 hospitals, educational centres and local councils to be presented with one of their augural Public Procurement Awards for helping to improve the welfare of millions of farm animals. More than 265m hens, chickens, pigs and dairy cows and calves are set to benefit each year as a result of winners’ policies.
Launched in 2007, Compassion in World Farming’s Food Business Team has pioneered a unique partnership approach — working with the European food industry to encourage and reward commitment, transparency, performance and innovation in the field of animal welfare.
Katy Read, Head of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming, said: “It is so great to see the public sector’s catering departments taking animal welfare into consideration when sourcing their meat and egg produce. Higher welfare produce isn’t just the responsibility of the large corporations, but something that can be achieved at all levels. Well done to all our award winners — keep up the good work.”