Published 09/06/2010

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), used by many top global companies to measure their sustainability credentials, has included a measure on animal welfare for the first time. It will feature as part of a new 'sector supplement' designed to deal specifically with the food processing industry.

After two years of representation on the GRI working group negotiations, Compassion has successfully ensured that key areas of concern are covered. This means that global multinational food companies like Nestlé, General Mills and Tyson Foods will be likely to report on their approach to breeding and genetics, animal husbandry, transportation, handling and slaughter.

Compassion representative on the working group, Rowen West-Henzell (Head of Food Business) said: 'I feel immensely proud that farm animal welfare has finally been recognised by a global sustainability framework. With over 60 billion farm animals reared for food every year, food companies have a responsibility to consumers and to the animals themselves, to report on how they deal with this issue of increasing concern.'

For more information about the GRI Food Processing Sector Supplement please visit the GRI website. The Supplement was developed by a global multi-stakeholder Working Group in a two year process. The Supplement includes sector disclosures on, for example, customer health and safety, labour, affordable food, product and service labelling, animal welfare and sourcing.

Read more information about Compassion's Food Business work >>