Safeway is now the third high-street supermarket to achieve approval under what constitutes the strictest 'no animal testing' criteria in the world.

To achieve approval Safeway had to demonstrate that it does not conduct or commission animal testing, and that for all ingredients it imposes a strict fixed cut-off date after which no animal testing must have taken place. Safeway also had to implement a supplier monitoring system to ensure that all its suppliers complied with the criteria, and has passed an independent audit to prove that it is Humane Cosmetics Standard compliant.

Wendy Higgins, BUAV's Campaigns Director says: "Consumers are often bombarded with misleading 'cruelty-free' claims by companies but they know that approval by the Humane Cosmetics Standard means a product has genuinely not been animal tested. Safeway has demonstrated that if you are committed to going cruelty-free, you can still produce a wide range of high quality and innovative toiletry products without animal suffering. Safeway should be commended for the effort and enthusiasm it has put into working with the BUAV."

Jerry Burnie, Safeway's Technical Controller (Non-Foods), says: "Safeway is extremely pleased to have achieved accreditation to the Humane Cosmetics Standard. The combination of the BUAV running the Standard, and the stringent guidelines it sets, are seen by Safeway as the most credible method to demonstrate our commitment in the area of animal testing. In the coming months we will be proud to start using the BUAV Cruelty Free logo. Safeway receive a growing number of enquiries from customers concerned about animal testing and the fact that animal test claims are not always as clear as they seem."

The Humane Cosmetics Standard is the world's only internationally recognised 'kitemark' for genuinely "not tested on animals" products, run throughout the UK, much of Europe, Canada and the USA. Due to its success, there are also plans to expand further internationally.

There are currently approximately 200 cruelty-free companies approved internationally by the Humane Cosmetics Standard. Approved companies are listed in the BUAV's consumer pocket-guide, the Little Book of Cruelty Free.

Email campaigns@buav.org with your name & address for a free 'Little Book' or download a list at www.buav.org/gocrueltyfree

The 2003 Ethical Purchasing Index published by The Co-operative Bank, shows that the total value in 2002 of UK ethical consumption was £19.9 billion. Sales of ethically marketed goods and services totalled £6.9 billion, a 13% increase on 2001. Sales in 2002 of HCS-approved products totalled £187 million, a 4% growth on sales in 2001. The report also revealed that 52% of consumers claim to have boycotted at least one product in the last 12 months and two thirds of consumers claim not to return to a brand once they have boycotted it. The value attached to consumers switching brands for ethical reasons was an estimated £2.6 billion in 2002.

This news was posted on the website of Animal News Centre - www.anc.org