'Ecolabels' to bar testing on animals: 'Green' products vetted for cruelty

ANIMAL welfare campaigners claimed a victory yesterday after a signal from the European Commission that products tested on animals may not qualify for an environmentally friendly 'ecolabel', writes David Nicholson-Lord.

The EC's ecolabelling scheme, designed to help shoppers choose 'green' products, was launched last week. It has been hit by disputes, notably on whether animal tests should be included in the criteria.

Environmental groups have argued that calling a product tested on animals green would expose the label to ridicule.

The EC has now confirmed in a letter to the Body Shop that animal welfare can be included in the ecolabelling criteria for products such as shampoos.