The goal of our animal welfare program is to ensure that our suppliers meet or exceed our high animal welfare standards. At its core is a global audit system for beef, poultry, and pork processing plants. This system is based on scientific animal behavior research and consists of specific technical standards for animal treatment and detailed protocols for measuring compliance. We are continually improving and expanding this system.
Dr. Temple Grandin, a leader in innovative animal welfare research and animal handling practices, helped develop the slaughterhouse guidelines. She now oversees McDonald's auditor training. Her guidance helps us and our suppliers make further improvements in animal handling practices.
Dr. Temple Grandin, measuring animal treatment at a supplier facility
All audits are conducted by trained auditors whose role is to measure performance according to our standards while also promoting continuous improvement. Facility personnel thus receive advice and training in the context of audits. In 2006, approximately 560 audits were completed, bringing the total since 2002 to more than 2,600 audits.
Like much of the McDonald's System, our animal welfare program is decentralized. Within the framework of our global Animal Welfare Guiding Principles, local business units have the freedom to develop additional standards and compliance systems above and beyond our standards in accordance with the legal frameworks, supply chains, and cultures of their communities.
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