Kroger adopts gestation-crate-free pork policy

CINCINNATI — Kroger has joined other food retailers in moving towards a policy of only offering products made from gestation-crate-free pigs. The company announced that it has begun informing suppliers of a new policy statement regarding gestation crates that are used to house pregnant sows.

After conducting its own review and considering the concerns of animal welfare and other experts, it has determined that a gestation-crate-free environment is more humane and that the pork industry should work toward gestation crate-free housing for pregnant sows.

The company is encouraging its suppliers to accelerate this already-occurring transition in the Kroger supply-chain. Kroger also wants customers to know that this is a transition that may take many years.