Global Food Collaborative - http://www.globalfoodcollaborative.com
Certified Humane
http://www.globalfoodcollaborative.com/articles/124/1/Certified-Humane-/Page1.html
Collaborative INSIGHTS

 
By Collaborative INSIGHTS
Published on 15 May 2008
 
Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) is a non-profit organization created to offer a certification and labeling program for meat, eggs, dairy and poultry products from animals raised according to Humane Farm Animal Care’s Animal Care Standards. Developed with the welfare of the individual animal in mind, Certified Humane standards ensure that the animal is treated humanely and in accordance with the highest farm animal welfare standards available today, as the animal is raised, transported and processed.

What is the Certified Humane Certificate Program?

The Certified Humane Raised & Handled program is an inspection, certification and labeling program for meat, poultry, egg and dairy products from animals raised to humane care standards. The program is a voluntary, user-fee based service available to producers, processors and transporters of animals raised for food. The purpose of the program is to provide independent verification that the care and handling of livestock and poultry on farms enrolled in the program meet high quality humane animal care standards.

What do the standards require?

The Animal Care Standards require that livestock have access to clean and sufficient food and water; that their environment is not dangerous to their health; that they have sufficient protection from weather elements; that they have sufficient space allowance in order for them to move naturally; and other features to ensure the safety, health and comfort of the animal. In addition, the standards require that managers and caretakers be thoroughly trained, skilled and competent in animal husbandry and welfare, and have good working knowledge of their system and the livestock in their care.

How were the Animal Care Standards set?

The standards were created by a team of Animal Scientists, and Veterinarians with expertise in farm animal issues During creation of the standards, the team reviewed the latest research and consulted established standards, such as those in use by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in England, and other standards and guidelines recognized for the proper care of animals. Input was also obtained from producers. 

Andronico's Market, Sprouts, Whole Foods and Alaska's own Natural Pantry are just a few who carry the Certified Humane products.

Check out their latest video on their home page -
www.certifiedhumane.org