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Free Farmed Certification Press Release July 2, 2002 CONTACT: Lacey Toney
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American
Humane Association Applauds First Burger King Animal Handling Practices
Report Englewood, Colo. – The
American Humane Association today applauded Burger King for issuing the
first annual report on its program that requires suppliers to follow
improved standards for the care and treatment of farm animals.
American Humane established itself as the national leader in
improving the lives of farm animals by implementing the nation’s only
certification and labeling program to assure consumers that the products
they purchase come from humanely raised animals. “The American Humane Association is
very pleased that Burger King continues to show a commitment to
improving the lives of farm animals,” said John Nobil, Chairman of
American Humane’s Board of Directors.
“Last year, Burger King required its suppliers to follow
guidelines for animal care and handling that go beyond industry
standard." “We are encouraged by Burger
King’s report on the first year of its program because it signifies
another important step has been taken toward improving the treatment of
farm animals in America," said Nobil. “We are also pleased that
Burger King plans to implement its improved animal care and treatment
guidelines internationally. We
look forward to Burger King’s continued dedication in this regard.” Nobil said the Burger King report,
along with the new guidelines for the humane care of farm animals from
the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and National Council of Chair
Restaurants (NCCR), confirms there is public demand for food from
humanely raised animals. Last
week, FMI and NCCR jointly issued voluntary guidelines for the
supermarket and fast-food industries that address many problems for
animals in food production, including the forced molting of hens, pen
size of pregnant pigs, and slaughter issues. "This consumer movement is a growing trend and is capturing the attention of the agriculture and food industries. It’s definitely a front-burner issue,” Nobil concluded. About
the Free Farmed program Launched by the American Humane
Association in September 2000, the Free Farmed label on food products is
the first certification and labeling program to inform consumers that
farm animals are raised in a humane manner.
A Free Farmed label assures consumers that the products they
purchase come from animals treated in compliance with the farm animal
welfare standards developed by American Humane.
The labeling and certification program is administered by Farm
Animal Services (FAS), a nonprofit organization created by American
Humane. FAS oversees the
inspection, certification, and compliance of producers and other
businesses that have applied for the Free Farmed label. The label is issued based on standards
developed by American Humane’s Scientific Committee that outline
improved housing, handling, and environmental conditions for farm
animals. The Scientific
Committee includes experts in the animal care, veterinary, animal
behavior, and animal welfare field with experience in ethical and humane
treatment of farm animals. Currently,
standards are in place for egg-laying hens, broiler chickens, dairy and
beef cattle, and pigs. The entire Free Farmed inspection process is verified by the United States Department of Agriculture. ### |
