McDonald's to Stop Using Gestation Stalls

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February 16, 2012

McDonald’s Corp. said it will require U.S. pork suppliers to outline their plans to phase out the use of sow gestation stalls, a move supported by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

“McDonald’s believes gestation stalls are not a sustainable production system for the future. There are alternatives that we think are better for the welfare of sows,” said Dan Gorsky, senior vice president of McDonald’s North America Supply Chain Management. “McDonald’s wants to see the end of sow confinement in gestation stalls in our supply chain. We are beginning an assessment with our U.S. suppliers to determine how to build on the work already underway to reach that goal. In May, after receiving our suppliers’ plans, we’ll share results from the assessment and our next steps.”

The HSUS has been a long-time advocate for ending the use of gestation crates. “All animals deserve humane treatment, including farm animals, and it’s just wrong to immobilize animals for their whole lives in crates barely larger than their bodies,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of HSUS’

Leading independent animal welfare experts, including renowned scientist Dr. Temple Grandin, back McDonald’s actions. “Moving from gestation stalls to better alternatives will improve the welfare of sows and I’m pleased to see McDonald’s working with its suppliers toward that end. It takes a thorough plan to address the training of animal handlers, proper feeding systems, and the significant financial investment and logistics involved with such a big change. I’m optimistic about this announcement.”

Gorsky added: “We are pleased to see a number of our U.S. suppliers adopting commercially-viable alternatives. For example, Smithfield Foods and Cargill have made significant progress in this area. We applaud these, and future efforts.”

Read These Related Articles:

• Burger King Enhances Animal Welfare Standards in its U.S. Supply Chain
• Whole Foods Rolls Out Animal Welfare Rating System in Canada
• Sainsbury's Beauty Care Products to Comply With the Humane Cosmetics Standard
• Whole Foods Pilots Stringent Animal Welfare Code for Fresh Meats
• Whole Foods Tests Animal Welfare Rating System on Meats

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