Grupo TGT cheese company, a leader in the production and distribution of cheeses in Spain, recently received animal welfare certification for the raw cow’s milk processed at its Ólvega Lácteos Naturales SL factory. Thus, TGT guarantees that 100% of the milk from which it produces its products in this factory, including the production of Lacturale milk, Saiona milk and Natura llet, meets the animal welfare requirements required by the certification.
Certificate delivery act
The certificate was presented on October 25 and was awarded by AENOR, the leading certification body in Spain, by Martín Pito, director of the Atlantic region, and Emilio Flamarique, territorial director in Navarre and La Rioja, in two parts, one in Ólvega and the other at the headquarters of Lacturale in Etxeberri. This certificate was collected by Sergi Ballel, General Manager of TGT, who stated that “this certificate is a recognition of the effort and good work of our farms that work every day to offer the best product without neglecting the careful treatment that the animals deserve.”.
From now on, the packaging of products produced at TGT’s Ólvega factory will bear the animal welfare seal. Recognition of prestige and value that will contribute to increasing consumer confidence in our products.
Animal welfare certificate
The Welfair® Animal Welfare certification scheme, developed by IRTA, includes a full evaluation of animal welfare through the Welfare Quality and Awin® protocols, which specify the requirements that livestock farms must meet. In addition, it guarantees strict compliance with European animal welfare legislation in force at any time, or another equivalent or higher, in those cases where stricter legislation exists locally.
Obtaining a certificate
To obtain the certificate, each of Lacturale’s farms was individually audited, with each receiving a favorable score for the Welfare Quality Award. Unlike other animal welfare schemes, in this audit process they are based on direct observation of the animal itself, through the assessment of 4 principles: good nutrition, good housing, good health and appropriate behavior. Within these 4 principles, 12 different but complementary measurable animal welfare criteria are identified. In addition, this assessment has a specific protocol for each animal species.
The certificate ensures the consumer the existence of an exhaustive audit in all stages of production with maximum information and transparency. Continuous improvement, self-monitoring and traceability are aspects that are also covered.