Oscar Mayer to Require Suppliers to go Gestation Stall Free

By CnAgri2012-07-10 18:52:59 Print

The Madison-based Oscar Mayer is the latest meat processor to start asking its pork suppliers to eliminate gestation-sow stalls within their operations. On Friday, the company announced it will work with producers over the next 10 years to develop alternative systems for raising its animals--specifically pregnant sows--so they would have greater movement and comfort.

"At Oscar Mayer, we believe quality meat begins with quality animal care," said Company Spokesperson Sydney Lindner. "We are committed to finding better ways to keep animals healthy and in a safe environment while treating them with respect."

Lindner adds that the move is important to the consumers they serve.

As expected, the news brought praise from the Humane Society of the U.S., which said Oscar Mayer's announcement 'sends a strong message to pork industry leaders who are resisting change.'

Oscar Mayer, which is owned by Kraft Foods, specializes in hot dogs, bacon and other processed meats. The company ships products to 170 countries.

Smithfield and Hormel have recently pledged to stop using gestation crates within the next five years.