Cargill’s animal welfare practices in China recognized by leading farm animal welfare organization

Chuzhou, China – Cargill’s efforts to improve animal welfare for chickens at its farms in China has been recognized by leading farm animal welfare organization Compassion in World Farming (CIWF). The company was awarded a Good Chicken Production Award an awards ceremony, held on 21 June 2018 in Paris.

The Good Chicken Production Award recognizes producers in China that are making significant commitments to improving the welfare of chickens by meeting five basic requirements which focus on: more space and a commitment to end the use of any caged systems, providing birds with a suitable environment, detailed record keeping as well as meeting several stipulated food safety requirements.

CIWF issues the award in collaboration with the International Cooperation Committee of Animal Welfare (ICCAW), a non-profit organization approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China and registered at the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 2013.

“We are proud to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to ensuring animal welfare in China,” said Jackson Chan, Managing Director of Cargill Animal Protein China. “Animal welfare is a fundamental part of our business strategy at a global level. Ensuring good living standards for our animals is good business and helps us deliver safe, nutritious food that is humanely produced to customers and consumers.”

A comprehensive onsite evaluation of the operation of Cargill farms in Chuzhou was conducted by CIWF and ICCAW in May 2018. Above and beyond the basic requirements in animal welfare set by CIWF and Cargill was recognized for committing to further improving stocking density and the leg health of broiler chickens.

As a part of its efforts to deliver protein to the tables of the world, Cargill set up its world-class integrated poultry facility in Chuzhou, Anhui Province using globally recognized animal welfare standards. The approach is designed to ensure the chickens live in a comfortable, sanitary environment provided through an automatic climate control system that regulates the environment, including air circulation and humidity control. Staff undergo specialty training in how best to handle chickens so as to maximize their comfort and optimize their living conditions.

Cargill frequently receives recognition through awards in food safety and animal welfare, with the Chuzhou facility winning the “Seven-Star Award for Best Quality Control” by Ecolab Inc. and China Business News in 2018, 2017 and 2016. In addition, in 2015 and 2016, Cargill Animal Protein (Anhui) was awarded the China Farm Animal Welfare Encouragement Award by the World Organization for Animal Health.