Industry News - AM

Poultry industry debates unflattering USA Today editorial


By Tom Johnston on 3/27/2015

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) said its industry embraces animal welfare and sustainable farming concepts, in response to an unflattering USA Today editorial on the industry that ran Wednesday evening.  

The editorial called out “crammed” housing quarters and described step-by-step slaughter practices including "electrified" stun baths and scalding.

The USA Today piece also refers to a recent video released this month by Mercy for Animals alleging animal cruelty at a Wayne Farms facility in North Carolina. “A spokesman for Wayne Farms, where the video was shot, says ‘no animal abuse occurred,’ and legally speaking, he is correct. A federal law that mandates humane slaughter of livestock does not protect chickens,” the editorial said.

Included in the editorial is an opposing view from USPOULTRY President John Starkey, who noted the egg industry’s progress in phasing out caged housing systems, to the point where the animals are allowed 70 percent more space. 

Starkey emphasized the importance of humane slaughter to the chicken industry, noting that, in addition to federal regulations and inspectors, the industry reviews allegations of mistreatment via the Center for Food Integrity’s Animal Care Review Panel. Panels include a veterinarian, an animal scientist and an ethicist. In the most recent video at Wayne Farms, the panel found no evidence of abuse.

“We understand today better than ever that the burden of proof for the care of the birds and eggs we eat falls squarely on our industry," Starkey said. "As such, we invite a member of the USA Today editorial board to tour a farm and poultry processing facility to see for yourself how we sustainably and safely raise, produce and process poultry for the world.” 


 
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