Roundy’s Inc., the Milwaukee-based parent company of Pick n’ Save grocery stores, today announced it will work closely with its suppliers to phase out the use of pig gestation crates from its supply chain by 2022.
Most breeding pigs in the U.S. are confined in for virtually their entire lives, according to the Humane Society of the United States. For several years, the pigs are confined to crates that nearly immobilize them, enduring a cycle of repeated impregnation. The individual cages are approximately 2 feet wide — so small the animals cannot turn around or take more than a step forward or backward.
“Roundy’s believes animals can and should be raised, transported and processed using procedures that are free from cruelty and neglect. We stand committed to the highest standards of animal well-being and, in the coming months, we will begin working with our partners to eliminate gestation crate housing from our supply chain,” said Donald Fitzgerald, group vice president of merchandising and procurement for Roundy’s. “We recognize that this is an important issue for our customers and we will continue to enhance company policies based on the latest scientific research and societal concerns.”
Some of the world’s largest food companies have announced that they will eliminate gestation crates from their supply chains. Those companies include McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, SUBWAY, Oscar Mayer, Kroger, Safeway, Costco, Denny’s, Jack in the Box, Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, Sodexo, Sysco, ARAMARK, Compass Group, Heinz, Campbell Soup, Baja Fresh, Wienerschnitzel and Harris Teeter.
