OTTAWA – The Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council (CPEPC) says Mercy for Animals (MFA) is not being forthright and transparent about their real purpose which is to stop the consumption of animal protein in Canada.
Instead of being clear about their overall agenda MFA uses tactics focusing on misleading and sensational stories about the treatment of animals to threaten and intimidate the industry and our customers into using standards set by the activist group. These accusations by MFA do not represent modern day chicken farming or processing in Canada and for MFA to use them as part of a broader activist agenda is irresponsible and unacceptable.
Robin Horel of CPEPC says "Canadian processors uphold very high levels of animal welfare and will continue to do so because it is a critical priority for the industry and because we care. Our industry is committed to producing safe, nutritious, ethically produced, affordable poultry. We don't believe Canadians who eat more chicken than any other meat want us to stop producing poultry. As always, we will continue to ensure poultry production meets the highest regulatory standards."
Canada's chicken processors purchase chickens from Canadian farmers certified by the Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC), which represent a single, national high standard of care under the CFC Animal Care Program. CFC's Animal Care Program is based on the Codes of Practice produced through the very robust National Farm Animal Care Council process. The CFC program is mandatory, audited by a third party and regularly revised to reflect best practices.
MFA's video claim that chickens "bleed to death, often while still conscious" is simply wrong as the Canadian industry follows strict Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations and processing facilities are monitored by CFIA veterinarians.
The Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council (CPEPC) is the national trade organization representing the interests of more than 170 Canadian poultry processing, egg grading and processing and hatchery establishments. Representing some of the largest agri?food corporations in Canada, our member companies process over 90% of Canada's chicken, turkey; eggs and hatching eggs. This economic activity generates over $6 billion in retail sales. To accomplish this, our members have invested over $2 billion in plant and equipment, and directly employ more than 21,000 Canadian workers.
Source: Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council 
