Tyson Foods announced this week that the company has formed an independent Farm Animal Well-Being Advisory Panel. Members will serve as advisers to the Tyson FarmCheck program, a comprehensive initiative designed to ensure responsible care and overall well-being of farm animals. The National Chicken Council’s Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Ashley Peterson, Ph.D, was named to the panel, among 12 others. Each panelist will serve independent of their professional affiliations.
Tyson Foods said each panel member is a leader in his or her field and was invited to join the panel because of their demonstrated interests across a broad range of issues related to raising farm animals responsibly. Panel members will help to determine research priorities and suggest ways to improve the audit program. Their participation is not a public endorsement of the FarmCheck program, Tyson Foods, or any specific animal well-being program.
Tyson Foods launched the FarmCheck program initiative in October 2012 to focus on a broad array of animal well-being issues. In addition to the advisory panel of experts, the FarmCheck program includes:
- auditing the treatment of animals at livestock and poultry farms that supply the company
- using research to identify potential new and better methods for animal care and handling
- reaffirming Tyson’s commitment to animal well-being issues with a dedicated senior management team
“The FarmCheck program continues our long-standing commitment to responsible farm animal care,” said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “This Advisory Panel is a diverse group of experts who bring valuable perspective on animal well-being. They will help shape the future of the program and ensure its effectiveness.”
