Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 7/17/17



Perdue Farms has joined the list of food producers and processors who have committed to adhering to Global Animal Partnership (GAP) standards for raising at least some of its broilers, according to a release from the animal welfare organization, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF).

Perdue has promised to adopt the standards for any future or existing customers wanting to align with GAP’s standard by 2024, the release said.

GAP standards call for broilers to be raised in “more space”, in “a better environment that encourages natural behaviors”, “healthier genetics” and “more humane slaughter”.

CIWF’s release said the organization “applaud[s] Perdue’s commitment to addressing the need for chicken that meets higher animal welfare criteria,” while noting that “absent from Perdue’s announcement is a commitment to adhere to this higher standard for all of their chickens. However, it is a big step in the right direction, helping to accelerate market change in response to consumer demand for better treatment of chickens.”

A year ago, the company announced a similar agreement with the Humane Society of the United States. Perdue also has been actively researching the economics of using slower-growing breeds along with using no-antibiotics-ever production techniques.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.