McDonald’s to Require Plans to End Gestation Stall Use; Pork Board Responds

February 15, 2012 — 

McDonald’s Corporation announced this week that it will require its U.S. pork suppliers to outline their plans to phase out the use of sow gestation stalls, a move supported by The Humane Society of the United States.

“McDonald’s believes gestation stalls are not a sustainable production system for the future. There are alternatives that we think are better for the welfare of sows,” said Dan Gorsky, senior vice president of McDonald’s North America Supply Chain Management. McDonald’s will review its suppliers’ plans before announcing its next steps in May.

Dr. Temple Grandin commented on the plan in the press release issued by McDonald’s saying, “Moving from gestation stalls to better alternatives will improve the welfare of sows and I’m pleased to see McDonald’s working with its suppliers toward that end.” Dr. Grandin went on the emphasize the challenges associated with making such a significant change. “It takes a thorough plan to address the training of animal handlers, proper feeding systems, and the significant financial investment and logistics involved with such a big change.” said Dr. Grandin.

The National Pork Board issued the following statement in response to the announcement: "The National Pork Board maintains the position, supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, that there are numerous ways, including sow gestation stalls, to provide proper care for sows. Each housing system, including gestation stalls, open pens, free-access stalls and pastures, has welfare advantages and disadvantages that must be considered by an individual farmer. Regardless of the type of system used, what really matters is the individual care given to each pig — a mainstay of our industry’s Pork Quality Assurance^® Plus program."

Source: McDonald’s Press Release and National Pork Board statement