Serrano ham from outdoor pigs? Albert Heijn caught out telling porkies

Albert Heijn has topped a poll organised by animal rights organisation Wakker Dier to out companies caught misleading the public about animal welfare. In total, a record 19,000 people took part in this year’s vote.

The supermarket group’s AH magazine published a photo next to an article about Serrano ham showing pigs in a Spanish field. In practice, the pigs are kept indoors, in cramped conditions without straw, Wakker Dier says.

Albert Heijn has admitted that the photo does not reflect the reality of the conditions the pigs are kept under but has not published a rectification.

The biggest Dutch supermarket group was also nominated for its advert for farmed salmon using the phrase ‘very happy fish’. In reality, the fish are raised in cramped conditions in nets, Wakker Dier said.

Dairy firm Almhof, tinned tuna producer Rio Mare and dairy group Friesche Vlag were also on the nomination list. Both Rio Mare and Friesche Vlag have since changed their advertising.