Safeway, Haggen Among Certified Humane 'Oscar' Winners
Inspired by the 87th annual Academy Awards, Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) is shining a spotlight on select retail "superstars" that it commends for making a difference in the lives of farm animals.
"Because we believe the best way to help farm animals is through the marketplace," explains Adele Douglass, HFAC executive director, the Herndon, Va.-based organization is giving its own version of Oscars to "grocery retailers that show their commitment to animal welfare by buying and selling Certified Humane products in their stores" as follows:
Most Committed Retailer
Sobeys - The only major retailer to sell beef, pork and poultry in its stores that are required to be Certified Humane. "We give this super star grocery chain two big thumbs up," said Douglass.
Best Performances in a Supporting Role
Safeway Inc. - The first major grocery retailer in the U.S. to require all of its cage-free eggs become Certified Humane. "Safeway’s certification has had a major impact on improving the humane treatment of laying hens in the U.S. Its leadership is unparalleled in the retail food industry and is hopefully an exciting preview of more to come," according to Douglass.
Haggen – The Washington State-based grocer sells many Certified Humane products in its stores. "They just acquired 146 stores in an Albertsons-Safeway merger, which means this coming sequel could be a huge blockbuster next year," noted Douglass.
Honorable Mentions
D'Agostino's – This grocer's Big Apple store locations have been selling Certified Humane products since 2004.
Harris Teeter – Cited for a variety of Certified Humane products.
Whole Foods – Also carries a variety of Certified Humane products in all of its U.S. stores.
HFAC is a leading international non-profit certification organization which works to improve the lives of millions of farm animals in food production. Consumer Reports, which issues report cards on food labels, rates the HFAC’s Certified Humane label as “meaningful" for providing the highest assurances for the humane treatment of farm animals in North America.