Philadelphia, PA – April 30, 2015 – 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.:
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….
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 …
Dairy/Beef:Aramark will work with suppliers to address issues of pain relief for disbudding and castration procedures…. READ FULL ARTICLE