Miami-based fastfood giant Burger King Corp (BK) has posted its first annual report detailing its practices and audits for the humane handling of food animals in the US, on its website.
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The guidelines, which were adopted in June 2001, require BK suppliers to adhere to strict standards in the industry for the care, housing, transport and slaughter of cattle, swine and poultry. BK enforces the guidelines initially through a series of announced audits at suppliers’ facilities, and later through unannounced audits.
John Dasburg, chairman, CEO and president of BK, commented: “This issue is important to our company and our consumers.”
Last year, BK formed its Animal Well-being Council, which has been credited with the scope and success of the practices and audits put in place.
In June 2001, BK also hired a manager of brand protection & food safety who, along with a manager, product safety and regulatory compliance, has been conducting audits to ensure each of BK’s suppliers is in compliance with the company’s animal handling practices.
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By GlobalDataWhile the practices have been implemented initially in the US, it is an on-going process, the company insists. BK plans to expand the application of these standards internationally in a timely and appropriate fashion within the legal and regulatory framework of each country where it has operations. Currently, it is on its way to completing the implementation of its Animal Handling practices in Canada and will focus heavily on applying the standards in Australia and New Zealand over the coming year.
Dasburg continued: “We will continue to encourage the adoption of appropriate, science-based improvements that will result in more humane conditions for food animals.”
Over the next year, BK will participate in evaluating alternative livestock management and production practices. The company will also participate in the development of a third party auditing program that will evaluate compliance along with the National Council of Chain Restaurants and Food Marketing Institute Animal Welfare Steering Committee.
To read BK’s Animal Handling Practices and Audits Annual Report, click here.
