Humane Eating
By Melissa Williams
Not sure what all the new terms really mean when it comes to eggs and meat? Whole Foods and the Global Animal Partnership have made it easy with their 5-step Animal Welfare Rating, reminding consumer that even taking step one is a huge step in the industry. Ready to get started?
Step 1
No crates, no cages, no crowding.
Like people, animals need a little "personal space" to be comfortable.
Step 2
Enriched environment.
It's the simple things that keep animals active and engaged — like a bale of straw for chickens to hide behind and climb on, a bowling ball for pigs to manipulate and shove around, or a few sturdy objects for cattle to rub against when they need a good scratch.
Step 3
Enhanced outdoor access.
Pigs and chickens still live in buildings but they all — yes, each and every one of them — have access to outdoor areas where they can catch a few rays.
Step 4
Pasture centered.
Chickens need to forage, pigs need to wallow and cattle need to roam. They can do all of these things when they live outdoors and have shelter — and of course, a view!
Step 5
Animal centered; all physical alterations prohibited.
Animals get to live their lives with all the parts they were born with, and nothing else! No nose rings, no clipping, no snipping and no branding.
Step 5+
Animal centered; entire life on same farm
Animals are born and live their entire lives on one farm. Pigs and cattle are slaughtered on the farm, and chickens are transported only short distances (because you can't herd chickens!).
