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FIRST FREEDOM
Freedom from hunger, from thirst and poor nutrition, by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
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Responsible by tradition
EU STANDARDS & REGULATIONS
Animal welfare is rigorously governed by EU regulations that apply to the breeding, transport, and processing phases. Levoni has chosen to incorporate this issue into the company's ethical and value-driven framework.
RESPONSIBLE BY TRADITION
At Levoni, animal welfare is not just a legal requirement. It is a core ethical commitment. For over 60 years, we've believed that raising animals with care, in optimal conditions that honor their natural needs, is essential. It is the foundation for producing truly wholesome, high-quality meats.
ANIMAL WELFARE SUPPLY CHAIN LINE
Levoni has undertaken a continuous journey that sets far stricter standards than those outlined in current EU regulations for a select group of farms. Every stage of our supply chain, from farming to production, is guided by standards that go beyond legal requirements. Ensuring optimal living conditions for animals is not just a duty – it is a responsibility we approach with care, passion, and transparency. The company's approach is rooted in the Five Freedoms principle outlined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1979.
The principle of the 5 freedoms
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SECOND FREEDOM
Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
THIRD FREEDOM
Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
FOURTH FREEDOM
Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
FIFTH FREEDOM
Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
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ANIMAL WELFARE ON THE FARM
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SENSIBLE MANAGEMENT OF MEDICINES
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ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION OF ANTIBIOTIC USE IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS OF LIFE OF THE ANIMAL
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ANIMAL WELFARE DURING TRANSPORT
THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACCORDING TO LEVONI
Animal welfare in breeding
Biosafety: Higher levels of hygiene and safety.
More space available.
Use of environmental enrichments.
Better air quality, temperature control and improved drinking and feeding conditions.
Better conditions during delivery.
Elimination of actions causing suffering such as cutting ears and teeth.
Castration consented exclusively in the first 7 days of life and with anaesthesia and analgesia.
Animal welfare during transport
Preserving animals from the stress of transport by reducing the journey time from breeding to slaughter to a maximum of 6 hours.
More space available.
Preservation of original family groups.
Using environmental enrichment.
Animal welfare at the slaughterhouse
Rest areas equipped with drinking troughs and misting systems to cool the environment and help animals relax.
Preservation of original family groups, with flexible pens that can be adapted based on the number of animals.
Use of environmental enrichments.
Elimination of stress factors, such as preventing animals from seeing slaughter operations and avoiding the unjustified use of electric prods.
Responsible management of the veterinary drug
through the implementation of a management approach which:
Limits the administration of drugs to conditions of extreme necessity.
Administers medications with less impact on antibiotic resistance.
Reduces the risk of animal diseases by adapting spaces, reducing density and improving genetic selection.
Strictly prohibits the administration of antibiotics in the last 4 months of life of the animal.
ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION
At Levoni, animal welfare is not just a value, but a concrete promise that began many years ago.
Every certification we’ve earned is the result of measurable commitment, recognized by accredited independent bodies. It is tangible proof of our ongoing dedication to building a supply chain that is transparent, ethical, and sustainable.
Products from Levoni’s Animal Welfare Supply Chain line are certified by KIWA, an internationally recognized body (www.kiwa.com).
REFERENCE CERTIFICATES
THE STAGES OF OUR JOURNEY
1960
Levoni’s ethical commitment begins
Levoni starts its commitment to animal welfare, adopting standards that go above and beyond the industry norm.
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1976
OPENING OF MEC CARNI
Mec Carni opens as one of the most modern and innovative slaughterhouses globally, specializing in pig slaughter and processing, rapidly establishing itself as an industry leader. It is here that Levoni introduces cutting-edge standards for animal transport, unloading, and resting pens, enhancing welfare at every stage of the process.
2002
MEC CARNI ADAPTS ANIMAL WELFARE PRACTICES TO US STANDARDS
MEC Carni slaughterhouse is authorized to export meat to the USA.
2010
IMPLEMENTATION OF ADVANCED TRANSPORT STANDARDS
The company introduces innovative measures to reduce stress on animals during transport, limiting the maximum travel time to 6 hours and ensuring the preservation of family groups.
2011 - 2012
ASSICA WORKING GROUPS
Participation in the working groups of the ASSICA Trade Association to develop international reference standards for animal welfare.
2013- 2014
GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PRACTICES
Participation in the working groups of the ASSICA Trade Association to analyze the Good Practices Guide for animal protection during slaughter.
2018 - 2019
PROMOTION OF VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION SCHEMES FOR ANIMAL WELFARE AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF MEDICATION
Levoni organizes roundtables with regulatory authorities and farmers to promote the adoption of voluntary certification schemes for Animal Welfare and responsible use of medication.
2019
FIRST CERTIFICATION IN ANIMAL WELFARE AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF MEDICATION
Levoni receives its first certification under a technical regulation that sets stricter requirements than the applicable laws, a recognition that attests to its commitment to ensuring animal welfare standards throughout the entire supply chain.
2023
ADOPTION OF PRODUCT CERTIFICATION UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD OF KIWA ACCREDITED BODY
Levoni begins the process to obtain certification under Kiwa technical standards DT040 – “Requirements for the management of animal welfare and responsible antibiotic use” – COC, and DT035 – “Antibiotic-Free Pigs” – COC, a prestigious recognition that certifies compliance with high animal welfare standards in line with internationally established parameters, highlighting its commitment to sharing this effort beyond Italy’s borders.
2024
THE COMPANY BECOMES A BENEFIT CORPORATION
The company has chosen to formalize its commitment to the common good by integrating sustainability, respect for people, and environmental stewardship into its business model.
Discover More
2025
PUBLICATION OF THE FIRST IMPACT REPORT
The company publishes its first Impact Report for the year 2024, a tool that enhances transparency and sets future goals for Levoni in the areas of animal welfare and sustainability.
