In collaboration with Humane Society of the United States,new principles and policy address multiple issues impacting treatment of animals
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Aramark (NYSE:ARMK), the $15 billion global provider of food, facilities management, and uniforms, announced today a new set of animal welfare principles and purchasing commitments that address a broad spectrum of issues impacting the treatment of animals for egg, pork, veal, beef, poultry and dairy products served across Aramark’s U.S. operations.
“Our commitments to health, wellness and sustainability are core to our mission of enriching and nourishing lives and include our pledge to responsible purchasing and animal welfare practices,” said Eric J. Foss, Aramark Chairman, President & CEO. “The broad reach of our supply chain provides an opportunity for us to have a significant impact on animal welfare issues and to shift purchasing practices that impact the clients, consumers and communities we serve.”
The policy builds on commitments the company has made over the past several years as part of its responsible purchasing practices in the U.S.:
- Purchasing only cage-free eggs by 2020
- Eliminating all pork from animals bred using gestation crates by 2017
- Since 2011, eliminated the purchase of all foie gras
Aramark developed the policy in collaboration with long-time partner, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest and most effective animal protection organization.
“We are pleased to partner with Aramark, and create this comprehensive animal welfare policy," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO, the Humane Society of the United States. "Aramark’s efforts demonstrate a growing interest in animal welfare by consumers and the industry, and help drive toward continuous improvement in addressing farm animal practices.”
The policy covers several additional commitments governing the care and treatment of farm animals, including confinement, painful procedures, and rapid growth processes. As a foodservice provider, Aramark purchases a wide variety of egg, dairy and meat items from hundreds of suppliers.
Under its new global policy, Aramark will work with its suppliers to meet the following animal welfare commitments:
Eggs: Aramark will purchase only cage-free eggs in the U.S. by 2020
Pork: In 2012, Aramark committed to eliminate all pork from animals bred using gestation crates by 2017; it will also work to address issues of pain relief associated with castration and the eventual elimination of tail docking, as well as responsible use of feed additives.
Veal: Aramark will eliminate all veal from animals confined in crates in the U.S. by 2017.
Dairy/Beef:Aramark will work with suppliers to address issues of pain relief for disbudding and castration procedures, and eventual elimination of tail docking and dehorning. In addition, the company will work with suppliers on the responsible use of hormones and feed additives, and strive toward eliminating the use of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST).
Ducks and Geese: In 2011, Aramark committed to eliminate the purchase of all foie gras and remains committed to this position.
Chickens and Turkeys: Working with suppliers, Aramark will address animal welfare issues associated with fast growth of broiler chickens and turkeys and support eliminating slaughtering systems that use live dumping and shackling.
The policy also outlines Aramark’s expectations for its suppliers. Aramark will work with its suppliers to:
- Ask suppliers for progress reports
- Require third-party documentation of their efforts
- Incorporate the animal welfare principles and policy into contracts
- Require decisive action in unforeseen cases of animal abuse or cruelty
To read the full Aramark Animal Welfare Principles and Policy, click here.
To download the Aramark Animal Welfare Principles and Policy Infographic, click here.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world with food, facilities, and uniform services. Because our culture is rooted in service, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. Aramark has been named to DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list, the Forbes list of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity,” the HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” and scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
