The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has warned that Defra’s proposals to ban carbon dixide stunning of pigs in abattoirs could undermine British food security. The association warned that Defra is proposing a major change without first establishing whether viable alternatives exist that can deliver better welfare outcomes while maintaining the capacity of Britain’s pig processing industry. BMPA chief executive John Powell,said: “We fully support improving animal welfare, but Defra should have commissioned the necessary research before launching this consultation. At present, there is no proven, commercially viable alternative to CO₂ that can maintain the throughput required by British pig…