The Hillshire Brands Company today announced it is actively engaged in advancing continuous, fact-based discussions with its suppliers and the industry in general, on alternatives to traditional gestational housing and intend to have this solution in place by the end of 2022. Though Hillshire Brands does not raise pigs, the company’s plan is to source all pork from suppliers who use housing that provides the animals the opportunity for adequate movement and comfort, while also ensuring their safety. Hillshire Brands’ goal is for our suppliers to combine quality animal care and worker safety with solutions that are adaptable for farm family operations of all sizes.
“Hillshire Brands takes concerns about the welfare of animals seriously, which is why we have a comprehensive Animal Well-Being Program in place,” said Mike Cummins, director of corporate communications, Hillshire Brands. “We know we share a responsibility to ensure the meat we sell is safe and that it comes from animals raised in a humane way.”
All of Hillshire Brands’ meat suppliers must complete appropriate audits and certifications before they can work with the company. These are in addition to the supplier’s routine animal well-being inspections performed by the United States Division of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service professionals.
September 21, 2012 - Hillshire Brands Company