New York Burger Co. Goes Certified Humane
Manhattan’s New York Burger Co. is now certified humane by Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC). As the first restaurant of its kind in New York City to be awarded this distinction, New York Burger Co. earned this honor by exclusively serving beef and chicken that are Certified Humane Raised and Handled.
Prior to gaining certificate, an establishment must undergo an extensive audit to ensure that the products they advertise as Certified Humane can be identified throughout their handling, cooking and serving process. Once the restaurant has passed inspection, it is awarded certification. The restaurant must reapply to the program and be re-
inspected on an annual basis. The extensive and ongoing certification process includes the auditing and inspection of all procedures, facilities, receipts and sales records.
Endorsed by more than 36 humane organizations, the Certified Humane Raised and Handled program is nationally recognized as the Gold Standard for certifying animal welfare. HFAC’s Animal Care Standards were developed by top national and international animal scientists and farm-animal welfare experts. Producer compliance with the HFAC standards is verified through annual on-site visits by HFAC’s third-party inspectors.
The Certified Humane designation assures consumers that meat, poultry, egg, or dairy products they purchase have been produced according to HFAC's precise standards for humane farm animal treatment. Animals must receive a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones and must be raised with shelter, resting areas and space sufficient to support natural behavior.
Since the HFAC program was unveiled in May 2003, more than 60 companies, representing hundreds of farms and millions of farm animals, have been certified.
First opened in 2004, New York Burger Co. is the creation of Madeline Poley and Spiros Zisimatos. Poley was instrumental in developing new American cuisine in the 1980s and Zisimatos is a 25 year industry veteran. Burgers are grilled to order; French fries freshly cut; and salads prepared in-house. The restaurant is also known for its chili, dipping sauces and salad dressings.
New York Burger Co. has three locations:
303 Park Ave. South, New York, NY, Between 23rd & 24th Street
678 6th Ave., New York, NY, Between 21st & 22nd Street
470 West 23rd Street, New York, NY at 23rd Street & 10th Avenue
For more information about the Certified Humane Raised and Handled program visit:
http://www.certifiedhumane.org.