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BK to go stall-free, cage-free
Story Date: 4/26/2012
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Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 4/25/12
Burger King Corp. said Wednesday that by 2017 it will purchase only eggs from cage-free hens and pork from suppliers that can prove they don’t use gestation stalls.
The announcement affects suppliers to 7,200 Burger King restaurants in the U.S., the Miami-based fast-food giant said in a news release.
“For more than a decade, Burger King Corp. has demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare and, through our BK Positive Steps® corporate responsibility program, we continue to leverage our purchasing power to ensure the appropriate and proper treatment of animals by our vendors and suppliers,” said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, chief brand and operations officer, in the release.
The company pointed out that it began buying cage-free eggs and gestation stall-free pork in 2007. It has been working with the Humane Society of the United States on the purchasing policy changes, and in 2011 received the organization’s Corporate Progress Award for “industry-leading animal welfare practices.”
In a statement the National Pork Producers Council said it respected BK's right to make a business decision, but said it "is concerned that such action will significantly increase production costs — and eventually consumer prices — force U.S. hog farmers out of business and lead to more consolidation of the pork industry, all with no demonstrable health benefits to sows."
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