Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 9/23/14


Garner, N.C. – based Butterball announced it has become the first national turkey brand to attain certification for all of its products through the American Humane Certified program.

American Humane Association offers this independent, third-party humane certification program for farm animals.

“Becoming an American Humane Certified producer signifies that Butterball is committed to the welfare of the animals in its care, meeting some 200 rigorous, scientifically based standards ensuring everything from adequate space to proper lighting, air quality, humane treatment, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors,” said Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association, in a statement. “As the country’s first national turkey brand to attain certification from American Humane Association, Butterball has demonstrated its dedication to animal care.”

The certification comes a year after Butterball announced its Animal Care and Well-Being Program comprised of four parts: an independent advisory panel of humane treatment experts, employee training, American Humane Association (AHA) certification and ongoing on-farm improvements and operational updates.

That program was launched some months after Butterball fired four employees found to have violated its animal welfare standards at a turkey breeder farm in Shannon, N.C.

In an interview with Meatingplace, Butterball Chief Marketing Officer Bill Klump said some of the areas of improvement Butterball has addressed since working with the advisory panel have included turkey house lighting and flock density.

The advisory panel meets at least twice a year and is also consulted throughout the year on specific issues.

Klump said the majority of Butterball branded products will bear the AHC seal going into 2015, with an expectation that as packaging changes are made all products will carry seal.

On Tuesday Butterball also announced an expanded corporate citizenship program called Traditions with Purpose that will focus the four areas of: people, plate, planet and philanthropy, including a commitment to animal care and well-being as well as commitments to protecting associates, preserving the environment and investing in local communities.

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