Source: MEATINGPLACE, 8/2/18

Seven multinational food companies have established a coalition to speed up the development of animal welfare standards worldwide.

The companies — Nestlé, Unilever, Ikea Food Services, Aramark, Compass Group, Elior Group and Sodexo — launched the Global Coalition for Animal Welfare (GCAW) in July, noting that 70 percent of the more than 70 billion animals farmed for food each year experience poor animal welfare standards.

In a press release, GCAW said it aims to provide a platform for food companies to work more closely with farm animal welfare experts to identify common objectives and drive improvements. The coalition will prioritize welfare issues and develop roadmaps for industry change while supporting producers in implementing strong animal welfare practices. GCAW plans to advance knowledge through research and partnerships for action.

Initially, the group will focus on five areas: cage-free policies, broiler chicken welfare, farmed fish welfare, antimicrobial resistance, and global standards for transportation and slaughter.

The group's agenda for change is expected to be published in early 2019.

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