WASHINGTON — Ever-growing numbers of American consumers are demanding that their foods be raised in line with their ethical values – and enlightened farmers, ranchers and producers are listening. The latest is Coleman Natural Foods, which has earned certification for the proper treatment of their animals from American Humane, the country's first national humane organization and the largest certifier of animal welfare in the world.
In order to qualify as an American Humane Certified™ producer, Coleman Natural Foods had to meet the program's rigorous standards, which include meeting some 200 science-based standards covering everything from adequate space to proper temperature, air quality and much more. In addition, they voluntarily agreed to undergo rigorous, yearly audits by professional auditors to ensure the standards are being implemented.
"As an American Humane Certified producer, Coleman Natural Foods helps assure their customers that the food on their plates was raised humanely under the science- and evidence-based protections established by American Humane," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "We applaud them for their deep commitment to animal welfare."
Coleman Natural Foods, a pioneer in premium meats, started raising animals without antibiotics four decades ago, recognizing that consumers were starting to question intensive production methods that routinely used antibiotics, as well as hormones and steroids. Coleman Natural has continued to work with family farmers who share the company's belief that nature didn't intend for animals to be raised in crates or cages, in conditions that require antibiotics to keep them healthy, to be administered drugs that make them grow faster, or to be fed animal by-products.
"At Coleman Natural, we've been a pioneer in ensuring high standards for how we treat animals, working with family farmers who raise them in a reduced stress environment free of gestation crates," said Bart Vittori, vice president of Coleman Pork. "American Humane certification provides our customers the added assurance of third-party verification of our practices, which address all of the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare."
The American Humane Certified program is the nation's first and largest farm animal welfare certification and audit program, developed by the organization to advance protections for farm animals and ensure they are raised and handled humanely. Independent, third-party audits cover more than 200 species-specific criteria which are rooted in the internationally accepted Five Freedoms of animal welfare. These science-based standards are set and regularly reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee of the nation's top animal experts, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and animal advocates, including luminaries such as farm animal welfare pioneer Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Candace Croney, and Dr. Tom Parsons.
For a full list of American Humane Certified producers and more information about the program and other American Humane initiatives, visit www.AmericanHumane.org.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, visit www.americanhumane.org.
About Coleman Natural Foods
Coleman Natural Foods has been a pioneer in raising organic and no-antibiotics-ever poultry, pork, lamb and beef with a legacy of quality that stretches back to 1875. We work with family farmers throughout the country who raise our animals in reduced-stress, crate-free environments with no antibiotics or growth-promoting drugs and feed them all-vegetarian diets with no animal by-products. We offer no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey and pork products under the COLEMAN NATURAL® brand and organic chicken products under the COLEMAN ORGANIC® brand. Learn more at www.colemannatural.com
Source: American Humane
