Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 6/19/17


Two newly established groups, the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs (US-RSPE) and the International Poultry Welfare Alliance (IPWA), met to discuss ways to collaborate to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement in sustainability and animal welfare through leadership, innovation, multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

The groups will also seek to evaluate current and emerging concerns related to animal welfare and sustainability and advance tangible outcomes through research, education and outreach initiatives.

To enable these combined efforts, the groups will be offering a joint membership so stakeholders within the poultry and egg value-chain can benefit from both sustainability and animal welfare discussions.

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) will work with the leaders from both groups to conduct a search for an executive director who can provide management and leadership for the organizations.

Canadian video aftermath
Meanwhile, the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council last week issued a statement after employees of a chicken catching service were caught on video abusing chickens.

“We have already started the process of meeting with the industry partners and we are committed to continue leading representative from all parts of the industry in the coming weeks, to review and strengthen current practices and prioritize any necessary changes, to ensure that the care of our birds, at every point in the value chain, meets the highest standards,” the statement promised.

Chicken catching service Elite Farm Services is turning to body cameras to ensure that best practices for animal handling are upheld, the company said in a news release.

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