HERNDON, VA - Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) endorses the formation of an Animal Compassion Foundation by Whole Foods Markets, a national grocery retailer as "further proof that humane treatment of farm animals is an emerging consumer issue," said Adele Douglass, executive director of the national non-profit organization that certifies humane treatment of farm animals by meat, poultry, dairy and egg companies with its "Certified Humane Raised and Handled" label.

"Whole Foods' action helps call attention to the need for a standard in the treatment of farm animals," said Douglass. "Our 'Certified Humane Raised and Handled' label is such a standard."

The natural foods retailer recently announced that its new foundation will seek to provide research funding to scientists to address challenges facing producers that want to raise animals more compassionately.

"This new funding source will be very welcome among animal scientists who do research on animal welfare, since there is very little funding for this research in the U.S.," said Douglass.

The "Certified Humane" program's exiting standards were developed through a lengthy process involving a veritable "Who's Who" of national and international animal scientists and farm-animal welfare experts.

All producers authorized to use the "Certified Humane" label must meet HFAC's Animal Care Standards, with compliance annually verified by on-site inspections by HFAC veterinarians and animal scientists. Inspections from birth through slaughter are conducted annually by third-party auditors.

The "Certified Humane Raised and Handled" label, unveiled in May 2003, assures consumers that a meat, poultry, egg or dairy product has been produced according to HFAC's precise standards for humane farm animal treatment. Animals must receive a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones and must be raised with shelter, resting areas and space sufficient to support natural behavior. Twenty-two companies are now certified to use the label.

HFAC is a national nonprofit organization supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), regional and local animal protection organizations, foundations and individuals. More information can be found at HFAC's website, www.certifiedhumane.org.

Humane Farm Animal Care

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