Wesfarmers Health - Animal welfare and testing
Wesfarmers Health is committed to the humane treatment of animals, urging suppliers to adopt practices that prioritise animal welfare. These practices encompass the creation of environments that aim to reduce and minimise distress, cruelty, abuse and neglect, aligning with applicable laws and industry guidelines.
Recognising the prevalence of animal testing in cosmetics, Wesfarmers Health acknowledges the necessity for safety and efficacy verification in developing new pharmaceuticals and other products.
The company has recently updated its Ethical Sourcing and Modern Slavery Policy to include specific requirements regarding animal welfare. A customised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been crafted, is currently in the process of implementation, and will be integrated into supplier onboarding processes and ongoing risk assessments.
Suppliers of goods not for resale (GNFR) that are of high risk1 and suppliers of Wesfarmers Health Own Brand2 goods for resale must disclose their animal welfare commitments, and information on animal testing associated with the goods (including ingredients) are mandatory. In certain instances, suppliers may be required to formulate a Corrective Action Plan, showcasing their commitment to best practice.
Animal testing in cosmetics3
Wesfarmers Health acknowledges the cosmetic industry's historical reliance on animal testing to improve product and ingredient safety. While countries like the UK, India, New Zealand and Australia are moving away from animal testing, global discrepancies persist. Wesfarmers Health, mindful of this, cannot guarantee that all cosmetics sold by its businesses are entirely free from or not historically tested on animals.
Animal testing in products other than cosmetics
With respect to pharmaceutical products (that fall outside the definition of cosmetics), Wesfarmers Health recognises the role of animals in scientific research and drug discovery. Suppliers are urged to adhere to local, national and international regulations, and to treat animals with respect. Encouraging the use of alternative testing methods aligned with the "3R" principles (replacement, reduction and refinement), the company expects suppliers to comply with Australian standards.
Continuous improvement
Wesfarmers Health strives to align with evolving community expectations, aiming to enhance internal supplier onboarding processes and risk assessments related to animal testing. Wesfarmers Health remains dedicated to continuous improvement and alignment with community values.
1 GNFR products containing cotton, mica, rubber, and polysilicon are considered high risk.
2 Own Brand includes private label, branded merchandise, as well as exclusive and direct import products.
3 Wesfarmers Health adopts the definition of cosmetic products outlined by the Australian federal government that a ‘cosmetic product is a substance designed to be used on any external part of the body – or inside the mouth – to change its odour or appearance, cleanse it, keep it in good condition or protect it.’ (https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/cosmetics-and-therapeutics#what-is-a-cosmetic)