Animal welfare group praises Safeway's goal of sourcing gestation-crate-free pork

PLEASANTON, Calif. and WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States is praising Safeway's efforts to establish a gestation stall-free supply chain.



Safeway annnounced Monday that, due to concernes over animal welfare, it is working toward the goal of purchasing pork from producers that have made commitments to decreasing gestation stalls in their breeding facilities.



"Safeway's decision to move away from gestation crates is welcome and encouraging news," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Given the scope and quantity of pork products sold by Safeway, this announcement is an important step in addressing animal welfare in the company's supply chain."



Safeway joins McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's, along with Compass Group, the nation's largest foodservice company, which have recently announced moves toward gestation stall-free supply chains.



"Our company supports the efforts of our suppliers who have committed to reductions in their use of gestation stalls," said Safeway VP public affairs Brian Dowling. "With that in mind, the company is formulating plans to determine how it can reach that goal."