Kraft Heinz has announced that it is committed to implementing poultry welfare standards set out by the European Chicken Commitment (ECC).
The move will help the food manufacturer in improving animal welfare standards across its European supply chain.
The company said that it will collaborate with our suppliers and the industry to ensure that its chicken supply chain complies with all EU animal welfare laws and regulations, regardless of the country of production.
'Significant Investment'
Kraft Heinz international zone president, Rafael Oliveira, said, "Extensive changes such as these require significant investment of time and resources, industry-wide.
"Kraft Heinz recognises the complexity of this undertaking and looks forward to collaborating with our suppliers, the food industry and other stakeholders to advance these ambitious goals in a way that is sustainable for our collective businesses."
By 2026, the food giant aims to implement all measures set out by the ECC in its entire European supply chain for fresh, frozen, and processed chicken.
Some of the poultry welfare measures include implementation of a maximum stocking density of 30kg per square-metre or less and ensuring better environmental standards.
'A High Priority'
Managing director of The Humane League UK, Vicky Bond, said, "This commitment will benefit the lives of chickens throughout their supply chain and confirms that, for Kraft Heinz, the welfare of animals raised for food is a high priority."
"All Kraft Heinz owned brands such as Heinz, Weight Watchers from Heinz, Honig, and Plasmon will be affected by this policy," he added.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
