Supermarkets Cut Ties With Pig Farm Over Cruelty Claims

Supermarkets Halt Supplies from Pig Farm Amid Animal Cruelty Allegations

Several major UK supermarkets have taken decisive action after an investigation uncovered serious allegations of animal cruelty at a pig farm in Lincolnshire. Tesco and Asda have suspended supplies from Somerby Top Farm, which is operated by British meat producer Cranswick. The move follows reports of shocking treatment of pigs, including physical abuse and neglect.

The Mail on Sunday reported that workers at the farm were seen hitting pigs with boards, paddles, and their fists, targeting sensitive areas like the snout and eyes. Welfare checks were also found to be inadequate, with one inspection of 1,000 pigs lasting just 90 seconds. Additionally, the newspaper highlighted instances of "multiple botched killings" of lame piglets.

Animal rights group Animal Justice Project conducted covert filming of the farm over a 10-month period. The footage revealed severe abuse, some of which occurred just two weeks after the farm was audited by Red Tractor, a food chain assurance scheme. Red Tractor responded swiftly, suspending the farm’s certification with immediate effect. The organization has also referred the case to the Government’s animal welfare regulator, the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Tesco expressed its shock at the footage and stated that it takes animal welfare very seriously. A spokesperson said the supermarket had immediately suspended the farm and is working with the supplier to conduct a full investigation. Similarly, Asda confirmed it had halted supply from the farm upon learning of the claims.

Red Tractor emphasized the distressing nature of the footage and outlined its commitment to addressing the issue. The organization is conducting a thorough review of current and historical footage, compliance, and staffing on the farm. It noted that the footage was taken between May 2024 and January 2025, but the evidence was only presented to Red Tractor in August 2025. This delay raised concerns about the activists’ priorities.

Cranswick, the company behind Somerby Top Farm, issued a statement expressing horror at the footage. The company acknowledged the unacceptable treatment of pigs and apologized for the lapse in standards. It emphasized that the footage does not reflect current practices and has implemented significant changes, including new management teams, additional welfare officers, and retraining programs for staff.

In May, Cranswick's shares dropped after another of its farms, Northmoor Farm, was linked to similar abuse allegations. Covert footage showed workers using banned methods to kill piglets and beating sows with metal bars. Red Tractor suspended the farm’s certificate following the exposure of poor welfare practices. After a full investigation, the certificate was reinstated with strict conditions, including regular unannounced spot checks and the installation of CCTV.

Cranswick has since commissioned an independent veterinary review of its on-farm practices, which is currently underway. The results will be shared once the investigation is complete.

This ongoing crisis highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector. As consumers become more aware of animal welfare issues, the pressure on companies to ensure ethical treatment of animals continues to grow. The actions taken by supermarkets and regulatory bodies signal a commitment to addressing these concerns, but the long-term impact remains to be seen.