ConAgra Supports Measures to Eliminate Gestation Stalls

ConAgra Foods, Inc. said it will take measures to eliminate gestation stall housing for producers in its supply chain.

In a statement, the Omaha, Neb.-based company said: “We are asking our pork suppliers to present actionable plans by 2017 that address both the elimination of gestation stalls and creation of traceability systems within the pork supply chain. We recognize that implementing a phase-out may be a long-term process, and could take up to 10 years. ConAgra Foods intends to continue working with pork suppliers who share our commitment to the best animal welfare and handling practices."

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) applauded ConAgra’s announcement as the latest in a growing list of major food companies and brands to address the issue, others of which include Oscar Mayer, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Costco, Safeway and Kroger.

“We applaud ConAgra Foods tackling one of the most serious farm animal welfare problems,” said Josh Balk, corporate policy director of farm animal protection for HSUS.

ConAgra Foods is a Fortune 500 company with net sales totaling more than $13 billion. Some of its leading brands include Hebrew National, Hunt's, Marie Callender's, Orville Redenbacher's, PAM, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, and many others.