UK audits have concluded that accusations of malpractice against 10 English pig farms were unfounded.

The audits were conducted by assessors from one of three independent certification bodies and the final conclusion was that six of the 10 farms are in complete compliance with assurance standards.

Three farms had minor non-conformances relating to records management, and general wear and tear of buildings and equipment. However the non-conformances have been rectified and the units passed.

The remaining farm had no pigs at the time of the independent audit, which took place on the 19th, 20th and 23rd of June, as production had been reduced before the accusations due to economic pressures.

Some weeks ago, images of dead and diseased pigs were sent to British newspaper The Independent. Animal welfare group Animal Aid said the images showed that farmers failed to live up to the standards that were made in a high-profile advertising campaign that said British pork products have high welfare standards.

The images showed pigs with sores where they have rubbed against metal bars; farrowing crates; pigs with bite marks; collapsed and convulsing animals; pigs covered in excrement; filthy pens; and routine tail-docking.