Following the release of an October video by activist organization Animal Outlook, Foster Farms responded with immediate action since the video allegedly depicted improper handling that violated company policy.
Randy Boyce, General Counsel for Foster Farms, stated, “In terms of our zero-tolerance policy, we terminated employees involved and a referral has been made to the Fresno County law enforcement authorities.” Boyce continued, “Put simply, conduct was counter to everything we stand for as a company and our actions ensured those responsible are held accountable.”
Additional responses by Foster Farms included company wide animal welfare retraining, appointment of a Chief Animal Welfare Officer and increased welfare auditing.
Irrespective of training and auditing, deviations from acceptable practice can be anticipated. An appropriate deterrent is to monitor harvesting operations on all farms using video as applied by Butterball in North Carolina. Knowing that they are under surveillance harvesters should conform to humane handling standards and procedures.