PITTSBURGH & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reflecting its Vision To Be the Best Food Company, Growing a Better World, The Kraft Heinz Company today announced it will expand its current animal welfare commitments to include higher standards for treatment of broiler chickens in its U.S. supply chain.
“When we issued our global animal welfare policy earlier this year, we underscored our commitment to the humane treatment of animals, and said we would prioritize continuous animal welfare improvements throughout our supply chain,” said Michael Mullen, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Government Affairs at Kraft Heinz. “Today, we’re delivering on that promise by joining the food industry in an effort to advance the well-being of broiler chickens in our supply.”
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) applauds Kraft Heinz for addressing the most pressing concerns related to poultry production by requiring a shift in how chickens are bred, housed and processed by Kraft Heinz suppliers.
“Kraft Heinz shows yet again that improving animal welfare is a core part of being a successful food company,” said Josh Balk, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection for The HSUS. “We applaud the company for its continued progress.”
Kraft Heinz will work with its suppliers and the industry at large to achieve the following by the year 2024:
- Source 100 percent of our chicken via breeds approved by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) or Global Animal Partnership (GAP) for measurably improved welfare and quality of life
- Provide birds with more space to perform natural behaviors, including a stocking density no greater than 6 pounds per square foot
- Provide birds with better environments, including litter, lighting and other enrichments that align with GAP's environmental standards
- Implement a multi-step, controlled-atmosphere processing system
- Demonstrate compliance via supplier verification or third-party auditing, and communicate progress as part of regular sustainability reporting
Adds Mullen, “Extensive changes such as these require significant investment of time and resources, industry-wide. We recognize the complexity of this undertaking and look forward to collaborating with our suppliers, the food industry and other stakeholders to advance these ambitious goals in a way that is sustainable for our collective businesses.”
To view full details, including the Kraft Heinz Animal Welfare Policy in its entirety, please visit www.KraftHeinzCompany.com.
ABOUT THE KRAFT HEINZ COMPANY
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC) is the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands. A globally trusted producer of delicious foods, The Kraft Heinz Company provides high quality, great taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether at home, in restaurants or on the go. The Company’s iconic brands include Kraft, Heinz, ABC, Capri Sun, Classico, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Ore-Ida, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Plasmon, Quero, Smart Ones and Velveeta. The Kraft Heinz Company is dedicated to the sustainable health of our people, our planet and our Company. For more information, visit www.kraftheinzcompany.com.
ABOUT THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
Subscribe to Wayne Pacelle’s blog, A Humane Nation. Follow The HSUS Media Relations department on Twitter for the latest animal welfare news.
The Humane Society of the United States is the most effective animal protection organization, as rated by our peers. For more than 60 years, we have celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty. We and our affiliates are the nation’s largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 150,000 animals each year, and we prevent cruelty to millions more through our advocacy campaigns. Read about our more than 60 years of transformational change for animals and people. HumaneSociety.org
