Source:  MEATINGPLACE.COM, 1/22/10

Sonic Corp., the drive-in restaurant chain, said it will begin requiring all suppliers to undergo independent audits of their livestock and poultry handling practices in an effort to promote the humane treatment of farm animals.

Sonic said it is asking its suppliers to focus on employee training in humane animal-handling practices and ongoing verification of practices. Companies that continue to fail to meet Sonic's animal welfare guidelines will be excluded from its supply chain, Sonic said.

Beginning this month, Sonic will require all suppliers to undergo third-party animal welfare audits. Audits will be conducted by a recognized auditing firm and reviewed by Sonic on an annual basis, the company said.

"Sonic strongly supports and believes that it is our obligation to ensure that each of our suppliers meets or exceeds established government regulations and recognized industry guidelines for the humane treatment and handling of farm production animals," Sonic said in a policy statement.

Specifically, Sonic said it will challenge its poultry suppliers to convert to an animal welfare-friendly controlled atmosphere killing system (CAS). Animal welfare-friendly is defined as no dumping or shackling live birds and using inert gases.

Sonic said it will favor suppliers that raise hogs in a gestation crate-free environment.

Egg suppliers will be required to meet United Egg Producer (UEP) standards for housing and other poultry practices. Sonic does not support the withdrawal of food or water to facilitate molting or support improperly controlled or managed beak trimming.

Sonic is one of a number of foodservice companies the Humane Society of the United States holds shares in as part of its ongoing efforts to persuade the companies to set policies similar to the ones Sonic just announced.

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