Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 8/27/19

Conagra Brands announced steps to implement higher standards for the treatment of broiler chickens in its supply chain sourcing practices. The company collaborated with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) on the new goals, which are an expansion to Conagra's existing broiler chicken policy.

Conagra Brands will work with its suppliers, peers and other external stakeholders in an effort to help achieve the following improvements in the treatment of broiler chickens by 2024:
• Source 100% of chicken used in products from either Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) or Global Animal Partnership (GAP)-approved breeds or strains.
• Offer improved environments that meet GAP standards for better lighting, litter quality and other enrichments.
• Provide birds with more space to perform natural behaviors, including a stocking density of no greater than six pounds per square foot and no use of broiler cages.
• Employ a multi-step controlled atmosphere processing system and avoid live-shackling or live-dumping.
• Track supplier compliance via third-party auditing.

"We're proud to work with the Humane Society of the United States as well as others in the food industry to take meaningful steps towards positive change in broiler chicken welfare practices," said Conagra Brands Chief Supply Chain Officer Dave Biegger.

"The Humane Society of the United States applauds Conagra for addressing the most pressing concerns related to chicken meat production," said Josh Balk, vice president of farm animal protection at HSUS.

Adds Biegger, "We recognize that our 2024 goals require industry-wide partnership to succeed and we will collaborate across our value chain to further animal welfare while preserving consumer access to quality, affordable food."

Conagra’s brand portfolio includes, among many others: Marie Callender's, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim, Frontera, Duke’s and Blake's.

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