Supervalu Demands Animal Welfare Reports from Pork Suppliers

SUPERVALU, one of the nation’s largest grocery companies—with 3,400 locations including the Farm Fresh, Shop ‘n Save, Cub Foods and Save-A-Lot banners—announced that it will require reports from its pork suppliers regarding their progress in producing pork without the use of gestation crates. These cages used to confine breeding pigs are so restrictive, the animals can’t even turn around for years on end.

The Humane Society of the United States applauded the announcement, which follows a 2012 commitment made by SUPERVALU to eliminate the controversial cages from its supply chain. SUPERVALU states on its website:

“At that time, we asked our suppliers to provide us with their plans to provide pork products without using gestation crates by 2017. We’re pleased that many of our suppliers have made progress on this important issue since we made our announcement…As a next step, we will be contacting our pork suppliers to receive an updated progress report this year.”

Supervalu is one of more than 60 food companies that have mandated an end to gestation crates in their supply chains.

“Future generations will look back in utter disbelief that these archaic cages were ever used.” said Josh Balk, HSUS’ director of food policy.

About The HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We’re there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — on the Web at humanesociety.org.