UK supermarkets suspend pork supplies from Somerby Top Farm after pig abuse

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Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons have suspended pork supplies from Somerby Top Farm after reports of animal abuse on a Lincolnshire pig farm.

The report was released after an investigation by animal welfare group Animal Justice Project claimed the pigs underwent animal abuse by being kicked and hit with boards and paddles.

Additionally, they reported overcrowding and injuries to animals as well as poor handling by farmers.

Following this news, Cranswick, the operator of Somerby Top farm and a top pork supplier commented that it was making changes across its farming business to ensure it adheres to animal welfare standards.

Cranswick said in a statement on their website, “The health and welfare of our pigs is our highest priority, and we were horrified to see this unacceptable historic footage, filmed at Somerby Top farm. As with the North Moor Farm footage, released in May 2025, the content was recorded several months ago but has only very recently been shared with us.


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“We find the treatment of the pigs in the footage distressing to watch, and we apologise unreservedly for this lapse in our standards. It does not in any way reflect the operating practices at our farms today.”

The business added: “Since May, we have been implementing major changes across all of our farming businesses to address the challenges raised within the footage.”

Following the news, major retailers immediately stopped receiving supplies from the farm.

A Tesco spokesperson said: We take animal welfare extremely seriously and expect all our suppliers to adhere to our high welfare standards. We were shocked by this footage, and we have immediately suspended the farm in question. Our specialist agriculture team is working with the supplier to carry out a full investigation.”

A Morrisons spokesperson added: “We care deeply about animal welfare, and these allegations are disturbing and unacceptable. We welcome Cranswick’s urgent investigation and have immediately suspended supply from this farm until further notice.”

Sainsbury’s also confirmed that they have, “immediately suspended supply from these farms,” as it did not align with welfare standards. 

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1 Comment. Leave new

  • Jon Audis 7 months ago

    Clearly time for these supermarkets to ditch this supplier permanently.

    Reply

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UK supermarkets suspend pork supplies from Somerby Top Farm after pig abuse

pork

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons have suspended pork supplies from Somerby Top Farm after reports of animal abuse on a Lincolnshire pig farm.

The report was released after an investigation by animal welfare group Animal Justice Project claimed the pigs underwent animal abuse by being kicked and hit with boards and paddles.

Additionally, they reported overcrowding and injuries to animals as well as poor handling by farmers.

Following this news, Cranswick, the operator of Somerby Top farm and a top pork supplier commented that it was making changes across its farming business to ensure it adheres to animal welfare standards.

Cranswick said in a statement on their website, “The health and welfare of our pigs is our highest priority, and we were horrified to see this unacceptable historic footage, filmed at Somerby Top farm. As with the North Moor Farm footage, released in May 2025, the content was recorded several months ago but has only very recently been shared with us.


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“We find the treatment of the pigs in the footage distressing to watch, and we apologise unreservedly for this lapse in our standards. It does not in any way reflect the operating practices at our farms today.”

The business added: “Since May, we have been implementing major changes across all of our farming businesses to address the challenges raised within the footage.”

Following the news, major retailers immediately stopped receiving supplies from the farm.

A Tesco spokesperson said: We take animal welfare extremely seriously and expect all our suppliers to adhere to our high welfare standards. We were shocked by this footage, and we have immediately suspended the farm in question. Our specialist agriculture team is working with the supplier to carry out a full investigation.”

A Morrisons spokesperson added: “We care deeply about animal welfare, and these allegations are disturbing and unacceptable. We welcome Cranswick’s urgent investigation and have immediately suspended supply from this farm until further notice.”

Sainsbury’s also confirmed that they have, “immediately suspended supply from these farms,” as it did not align with welfare standards. 

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1 Comment. Leave new

  • Jon Audis 7 months ago

    Clearly time for these supermarkets to ditch this supplier permanently.

    Reply

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