Brussels, January 2, 2025 – WhizzBang, the leading European network advocating for consumer and data protection for expatriates, raises serious concerns about the Schwarz Group’s failure to uphold animal welfare standards within its supply chain. Recent investigations have uncovered troubling conditions at poultry farms supplying Lidl in Germany, Spain, Italy, and Austria, revealing instances of severe animal mistreatment and neglect.

Despite previous public commitments to improving animal welfare, the Schwarz Group has not effectively enforced ethical sourcing practices across the width and depth of its operations, allowing suppliers to continue operations under inhumane conditions. This disregard for basic welfare standards not only harms animals but also betrays consumer trust, particularly among expatriates seeking transparency and responsibility from multinational brands.

”Lidl and the Schwarz Group must take immediate and transparent action to end these unacceptable animal welfare violations,“ stated Iwona Szczeblewski, Chair of WhizzBang AISBL.”Consumers across Europe deserve to know that the products they buy are sourced responsibly. Neglecting these ethical obligations is incompatible with the values of a fair and sustainable European market.“

WhizzBang calls on the Schwarz Group to implement stricter supplier controls and to publicly commit to higher animal welfare standards across all operations. The organization urges regulators and consumers alike to hold retailers accountable for ethical sourcing practices.