WASHINGTON — More and more consumers are rightly demanding that their foods be raised in line with their values – and more and more farmers, ranchers and producers are listening. The latest is Villari Brothers, which has earned certification for the proper treatment of pigs 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™ processor, Villari Brothers' supplier 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.
"By becoming an American Humane Certified processor, Villari Brothers 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 extraordinary commitment to good animal welfare."
"Villari Brothers is proud to partner with American Humane and uphold our commitment to raising hogs in a responsible and ethically manner," said Joe Villari, president and CEO of Villari Brothers. "Humane treatment of animals is an industrywide commitment, and at Villari Brothers we strive for continual improvement and overall welfare of animals, at all stages of production. Excellent pork comes from excellent producers that raise pigs right! We are excited about our new American Humane Certified – Raised without Antibiotics products."
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 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.
For more information about Villari Brothers products, please visit www.Villarifood.com.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, visit www.americanhumane.org.
Source: American Humane
