Friday, September 20, 2013

Butterball commits to improving animal welfare efforts

    Butterball, the U.S.' largest turkey processor, is working with industry specialists and scientists to further develop its on-farm animal welfare practices. Butterball is doing so by creating an animal care and well-being advisory council, seeking certification from the American Humane Association, and establishing a more-thorough employee training program.
    "At Butterball, our goal is nothing less than offering the richest, tastiest, most-satisfying turkey products. For us, that also has to mean the best-cared-for, most ethically raised and healthiest turkeys we can produce," the company stated.
    Animal care and well-being advisory council formed
    Butterball has established a new, independent animal care and well-being advisory council, which includes some of the leading animal care specialists in the U.S. The council aims to facilitate open and transparent dialogue related to best practices and new developments in turkey well-being.
    Council members are: Temple Grandin, Colorado State University; Joy Mench, University of California-Davis; Yvonne Thaxton, University of Arkansas; Jesse Grimes, North Carolina State University; and Michael Martin, North Carolina State University. All five council members have made a two-year commitment, will meet in person twice a year and participate in regular conference calls.
    Butterball seeks American Humane Certified designation
    Seeking greater accountability for animal welfare standards, Butterball has applied for certification under the American Humane Certified program.  In July 2013, Butterball's fresh, whole turkeys became approved to carry the certification label as American Humane Certified, while other Butterball products are in the review process.
    The American Humane Certified program is the nation's first, independent, third-party humane certification program for farm animals. It involved rigorous inspections and examinations to assure the handling of the animals meets or exceeds the science-based animal welfare standards of the American Humane Association.
    Training employees on animal welfare
    Since the well-being of the turkeys is in the hands of Butterball employees, all employees in contact with the animals must be trained before their first day on the job, and all tenured employees will be also be required to complete the training. The work of all employees will be checked to make sure it is up to the company's standard, and a zero-tolerance policy for mistreatment of the turkeys has been established.
    The company is also working with all partners along Butterball's supply chain to make sure Butterball's guidelines for animal care are being strictly enforced.

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