Processors in the supermarket

• Processors in affiliated supermarket outlets – valid as of 01-09-2023
• Processors in the supermarket, head office – valid as of 01-09-2023

• Processors in affiliated supermarket outlets – version 2.0, valid as of 01-09-2016 up to 31-08-2023
• Processors in the supermarket, head office – version 2.0, valid as of 01-09-2016 up to 31-08-2023

The Better Life Label Foundation (BLLF) is revising its criteria for secundary participants.

This means we have made a number of adjustments:

• Modular structure of the criteria with less overlapping criteria for different company types;
• No additional lists with supplementary decisions and interpretations;
• Better alignment with the ISO standards for quality systems;
• Sanctions in accordance with international standards.

The Modular structure also makes it possible to request one overview with all the criteria that have to be met, in case a business has several company types.

The revised criteria have entered into force at 1 September 2023. Click here to view the revised criteria.

Below you will find a checklist designed for businesses interested in participating in the Better Life label. The purpose of the checklist is to provide a quick overview of your progress in achieving Better Life label certification for your business. However, please be aware that this is an abridged version of the entire list of criteria. It is crucial to fulfill all criteria relevant to your company type. As a participant, you are responsible for ensuring compliance with the entire list of Better Life label criteria for your specific company type.

• Self-evaluation checklist retail processors in the supermarket – head office
• Self-evaluation checklist retail processors in affiliated supermarket – outlets

This checklist incorporates the updated criteria that have taken effect on 1 September, 2023. You can access the updated criteria here.

In the scope of retail with a processing counter, the Better Life label product is further processed in a supermarket (e.g., sliced, seasoned, heated, packed and labelled) whereby during (part of) the processing the Better Life label is no longer an inseparable and integral part of the product. For this purpose, a protocol should be drawn up describing how the branches separate Better Life label products from non Better Life label products and how to comply with the associated criteria.

The head office and branches/locations are regularly audited and certified (according to the audit frequency as established in the certification regulations) by a Certification Body on the basis of the corresponding Better Life criteria.

Retail with a processing counter includes a butchery, delicatessen department or a bakery in a supermarket.

Following the conclusive formal adoption of these criteria, the supplementary decisions and interpretations below have been drafted in conjunction with the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals. These decisions/interpretations have not yet been formally adopted and, in the event of exceptional circumstances, are subject to change before being included in the established BLL criteria. In anticipation thereof, certification will be carried out on the basis of these supplementary decisions and interpretations.

• There are no supplementary decisions and interpretations for retail with a processing counter

The latest versions of these documents can be found on the Regulations page:

• User protocol and style manual
• Conditions protocol for processors