Conagra Brands to improve treatment of broiler chickens

US-based food company Conagra Brands is planning to take initiatives in its supply chain sourcing practices to implement better standards for the treatment of broiler chickens.

The company has partnered with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for achieving its new goals.

HSUS farm animal protection vice-president Josh Balk said: “The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) applauds Conagra for addressing the most pressing concerns related to chicken meat production.

“We’re enthusiastic about our long relationship with Conagra and look forward to continuing our work together throughout 2019 and beyond.”

Conagra Brands will work with its suppliers, peers and other external stakeholders to achieve the new goals by 2024.

Under the new initiatives, the company will source 100% chicken from Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) or Global Animal Partnership (GAP) approved breeds or strains.

It will provide an improved environment such as better lighting, litter quality and other enrichments that are in line with GAP standards.

The company also aims to provide additional free space for the birds by limiting stocking density to 6lb per square foot and eliminating broiler cages. It also intends to avoid live-shackling or live-dumping of birds and implement a controlled atmosphere processing system.

All the new practices will be added to Conagra’s existing broiler chicken policy.

Conagra Brands chief supply chain officer Dave Biegger said: “Conagra Brands is committed to the humane treatment of animals and we believe that creating quality food for our consumers is more than just putting ingredients together, it also includes how we source those ingredients.

“We’re proud to work with the Humane Society of the United States, as well as others in the food industry to take meaningful steps towards positive change in broiler chicken welfare practices.

“We recognise that our 2024 goals require the industry-wide partnership to succeed and we will collaborate across our value chain to further animal welfare while preserving consumer access to quality, affordable food.”