Children should visit abattoirs to ‘learn the truths’

SCHOOLCHILDREN should be taken on school trips to abattoirs to learn the “uncomfortable truths” about where their food comes from, a presenter of the BBC’S Countryfile programme has suggested.

Tom Heap said abattoirs could have walk-through tunnels and webcams to relay the daily reality of animal slaughter. The increased scrutiny would have the added effect of raising welfare standards, he claimed.

Heap said: “I honestly believe that slaughterhouses, intensive chicken barns or crowded pig pens should be open to the public eye. Schools should be encouraged to visit as part of the curriculum.

“There could be see-through tunnels, as in an aquarium, through the farm and across the meat-processing floor, for a nice family day out before having a pork pie or some chicken nuggets at the café. Or a salad.” Those who think the idea “absurd”, Heap said, should at least countenance the installation of a webcams.

“The public cares about the welfare of the animal and the health of the environment behind the food on their plate.

“Much of the farming industry is nervous about letting the cameras in. I’m not saying they have something to hide, but they seem to believe the consumer would rather not know.

“For me, secrecy breeds malpractice inside and, frequently unjustified, suspicion on the outside,” he said, adding that the lack of transparency fuels the “ferocious tribalism” of campaigners.

Heap, 52, writing in Radio Times, said “Countryfile is a family show, in a family-friendly slot on Sunday evening.

“Its stunning beauty and intriguing tales, thanks to fine camera operators and directors, have broad appeal. It’s usually celebratory, bucolic and nostalgic,” he said, but argued that his own reports – on hare-culling, halal slaughter, polluted rivers and other tough subjects – also have a space.