German frozen food company Apetito has joined the Masthuhn-Initiative, which ensures that the company only purchases chicken that compiles with strict animal welfare standards.
The initiative was launched by the Albert Schweitzer Foundation together with nearly 30 other animal welfare organisations.
Strict Criteria
The Masthuhn-Initiative has set its criteria well above the level required by animal welfare legislation. Requirements include a lower stocking density as well as more daylight and a decrease in overbreeding.
Moreover, Apetito has committed itself to implement the standards of the Masthuhn-Initiative in its operations in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Spain, however its 'Apetito Catering' arm is excluded from this.
The criteria will be put into practice by 2026 at the latest, a deadline that was determined by the Masthuhn-Initiative and Apetito.
Janika Kleine, the project manager for the Albert Schweitzer Foundation, said Apetito's decision is a positive move.
"After the caterer joined our 'cage-free' initiative in 2015, Apetito is now reaffirming its entrepreneurial responsibility with its decision to join the Masthuhn-Initiative."
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jana Zimmermann. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
