Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 3/16/16


Tyson Foods Inc. seeks to underscore its efforts in transparency and responsible operations by releasing its new sustainability report in sections over five weeks, to encourage greater understanding and discussion of the issues, the company said in a news release.

It is also the company’s first such report since its 2014 acquisition of The Hillshire Brands Co.

The first segment, available now, contains an update on the company’s animal well-being efforts. Upcoming segments will cover corporate giving, environmental stewardship, product development and workforce.

“Each segment is designed to highlight the company’s performance in an open, honest and understandable way, which reflects Tyson Foods’ commitment to share its successes and challenges in a meaningful and relevant manner,” the release said.

“We’re providing more details — from how we’re reducing antibiotic use and auditing animal well-being on farms to our management of water and workplace safety — than ever before. We recognize that today’s consumers expect access to a new level of information so they know the food they buy is produced responsibly,” said Leigh Ann Johnston, director of sustainability for Tyson Foods.

The animal well-being segment features more detailed information on the Tyson FarmCheck program, which involves on-farm, third party animal well-being audits.

The sustainability report also details the company’s limited use of human antibiotics in its chicken business during the company’s last fiscal year.

Other animal well-being highlights in the new report include:
• Development of a formal animal well-being policy that recognizes the importance of the internationally recognized Five Freedoms for animal well-being.
• Installation of third-party remote video auditing of live bird handling at the company’s U.S. chicken plants. 
• Plans to offer additional annual training for farmers who raise broiler chickens for the company.

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