In keeping with emerging industry standards, Centerplate joins other major companies in requesting that our poultry suppliers make changes to the practices involved in raising and shackling broiler chickens. The company has asked suppliers to commit to slower, healthier growing species and practices; enhancing the living environments; and more humane killing methods for broiler chickens by 2024.
Specifically, the requests of our suppliers of broiler chickens include:
- Transitioning to strains of chicken 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, litter, perches and lighting that meet GAP standards.
- Rendering chickens unconscious prior to shackling using Controlled or Low Atmosphere Stunning.
- Providing details on compliance by a third party auditor.
As a hospitality provider, Centerplate is not engaged in the farming or raising of agricultural products, but is committed to maintaining high standards for quality across the enterprise. The company does already buy poultry from several vendors that have been certified by the Global Animal Partnership and will continue to support high quality and ethical production methods.