Nation's largest animal protection organization applauds chef Wolfgang Puck
for implementing landmark animal welfare improvements
WASHINGTON, March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Wolfgang Puck
Companies have implemented an historic animal welfare program that's the
first of its kind. The Humane Society of the United States applauded
Wolfgang Puck's nine-point program aimed at raising the bar on farm animal
treatment and curbing many of the worst cruelties associated with factory
farming. These new standards cover all Wolfgang Puck lines of business
including fine dining group restaurants, express franchises, catering and
events, and consumer products.
"The HSUS commends Wolfgang Puck, his chefs, and his entire executive
team for their ushering in of these historic animal welfare reforms. This
voluntary program-the most far-reaching and comprehensive we have yet seen
in the restaurant industry-will improve the lives of countless farm
animals," stated Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Wolfgang
Puck's policies send a strong message to the agribusiness industry that it
needs to start phasing out its most abusive practices."
Master chef and company owner Wolfgang Puck stated, "I have regularly
spent weekends at my local farmers markets and farms, getting to know my
vendors, their animals and their animal treatment programs. As my companies
have grown much bigger, we must now develop formal policies to maintain our
exacting standards. I want to be certain that only animals who are able to
freely engage in natural behaviors are used to provide the products for our
tables. If consumers could see how abused these animals can be, they would
demand change."
Wolfgang Puck's nine-point program, created in conjunction with The
HSUS and Farm Sanctuary, will be fully implemented for all Wolfgang Puck
companies, starting with the 14 fine dining restaurants, by the end of
2007. The nine points include the following:
1. Wolfgang Puck has now eliminated foie gras from the menu of all of its
dining establishments. Foie gras is produced by force-feeding ducks or
geese to the point where their livers swell up to ten times their normal
size.
2. Wolfgang Puck will not use eggs from laying hens confined in battery
cages. Caged laying hens are kept in such restrictive conditions, they
cannot even spread their wings.
3. Wolfgang Puck will not serve pork from producers who confine breeding
sows in gestation crates. These cruel devices restrict animals from even
turning around or performing many of their other behaviors for nearly
their entire lives.
4. Wolfgang Puck will not serve veal from producers that confine their
calves in individual veal crates. This inhumane intensive confinement
practice prevents calves from even turning around or walking for months on
end.
5. Wolfgang Puck will feature delicious vegetarian options on its menus,
as many consumers who want to eat well and humanely look for these
selections.
6. Wolfgang Puck will feature Certified Organic selections on its menus,
as many consumers concerned for their environment and health look for
these options.
7. Wolfgang Puck will send a letter to the companies' chicken and turkey
meat suppliers indicating its interest in Controlled Atmosphere Killing, a
slaughter method involving dramatically less suffering than typical
methods.
8. Wolfgang Puck will only serve chicken and turkey meat from farms that
are third-party-audited for compliance with progressive animal welfare
standards.
9. Wolfgang Puck will only serve certified sustainable seafood.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal
protection organization-backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30.
For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection
of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs.
Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty-On the web at
http://www.HumaneSociety.org.
CONTACT:
Erin Williams, 301-721-6446, ewilliams@hsus.org
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