PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aramark announced the following today with the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) and Compassion in World Farming (CIWF):

"A cornerstone of our corporate responsibility platform is a longstanding commitment to sustainable sourcing with a priority on the wellbeing of animals raised by our independent suppliers," said Scott Barnhart, Aramark's Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Procurement. "That commitment is constantly evolving and serves as the foundation for what we expect from our suppliers."

Aramark'sindustry-leading animal welfare policy, instituted in 2015, requires its suppliers to provide an environment consistent with the "Five Freedoms" of animal welfare developed by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC). The company's policy covers the care and treatment of farm animals, including rapid growth, confinement and painful procedures. 

Aramark is the first major food service company to call on its suppliers to implement additional humane conditions for the treatment of broiler chickens. This includes asking its suppliers to take the following actions by 2024, or sooner if possible:

• Transitioning to strains of birds that measurably improve welfare issues associated with fast growth rates per Global Animal Partnership's (GAP) standards.
• Reducing maximum stocking density to equal to/less than 6 lbs./sq. ft. per GAP standards.
• Providing chickens with enriched environments including natural light, hay bales and perches that meet GAP standards.
• Evaluating with animal welfare organizations over the next year issues related to litter quality, lighting, air quality, and other environmental conditions.
• Rendering chickens unconscious prior to shackling using Controlled or Low Atmosphere Stunning.

"Aramark's announcement is a transformational shift for the treatment of chickens in its supply chain. We're very pleased to work with Aramark to help create this important commitment, which demonstrates yet again how seriously the company takes animal welfare," said Josh Balk, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

"We heartily applaud Aramark's commitment and look forward to continuing to partner with them as they transition over the next eight years. This decision will help catalyze enormous change, not only for the chickens in their supply chain, but also for the nearly 9 billion chickens that are farmed each year in the U.S.," said Rachel Dreskin, US Head of Food Business, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF).

Aramark also supports the formation of an animal welfare roundtable engaging foodservice/ restaurant companies and suppliers with animal welfare, health, environmental and agricultural organizations to address a groundbreaking shift in animal welfare.

About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) delivers experiences that enrich and nourish people's lives through innovative services in food, facilities management, and uniforms. United by a passion to serve, our 270,000 employees make a meaningful difference each day for millions of people in 21 countries around the world. Aramark is recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE, rated number one among Diversified Outsourcing Companies, as well as among the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

CONTACT: Karen Cutler, 215-238-4063, cutler-karen@aramark.com

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SOURCE Aramark