Sainsbury’s is considering introducing a new policy for medicines and antibiotics used on livestock to address growing consumer concerns in the wake of scares such as ‘Horsegate’.

The retailer has commissioned agri-consultants EBVC to carry out the survey into the nature and scale of pharmaceuticals used on-farm.

In a letter to farmers, EBVC said the results would “inform the development of a policy governing use of pharmaceuticals on farm”.

The survey is being carried out across 20% of Sainsbury’s livestock supply base. Farms taking part have been selected from its beef, lamb, chicken, veal, pork and dairy livestock development groups.

“The results will be used to ensure any policy is based on fact and to highlight areas where we can work together with our farmers to share best practice,” said a Sainsbury’s spokeswoman, adding that the retailer did not intend to immediately change the specifications for on-farm pharmaceutical use.

The survey began last month and covers treatments administered by farm staff and by vets. Information will be collated, made anonymous and analysed by EBVC before being passed to the Sainsbury’s agriculture team. Farmers will also be given a summary.

The NFU welcomed the survey, especially if the results served to “further highlight” British farmers’ good practice on pharmaceuticals, said Peter Garbutt, NFU chief livestock adviser.

In January, Zac Goldsmith, conservative MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, lobbied the government to take urgent action to tackle the use of antibiotics on intensive farms. His call was backed by the Soil Association.

EBVC had worked with Sainsbury’s for a number of years, said the Sainsbury’s spokeswoman.

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