Nestle has announced sweeping reforms to improve the welfare of farm animals in its supply chain after dropping a supplier found to be abusing dairy cows, according to reports.

The company has signed a partnership agreement with World Animal Protection, which means that all of Nestle's suppliers of animal-derived products must now comply with the organization's animal welfare standards. According to World Animal Protection, Nestle's new policy is the most significant animal welfare policy ever adopted by a major food distributor.

Nestle has commissioned an independent auditor, SGS, to ensure the new standards of animal welfare are met by its suppliers. Some checks will also be made by World Animal Protection. Nestle said it won’t work with suppliers who aren’t willing to meet the new standards.