STRATEGIC PARTNERS
October 12, 2012
Following the release of a video showing animal abuse violations at Bettencourt Dairies, Burger King released a statement announcing the company has suspended its relationship with the supplier.
The statement reads, in part:
"Burger King Worldwide has become aware of a video that depicts inhumane treatment of dairy cows. We take this matter very seriously. Burger King Worldwide does not tolerate or condone cruelty to animals. As a part of our animal welfare commitment, we require that all suppliers and their vendors adhere to our vendor code of ethics.
"The Bettencourt Dairies farm where the video was allegedly filmed may be an indirect supplier of a small percentage of cheese products to Burger King restaurants in the U.S. Burger King Worldwide has launched an immediate investigation into this serious allegation and has suspended the dairy farm from our supply chain until our investigation is complete. We understand that the individuals involved in this incident have been terminated and are being criminally charged.
"The portrayal of the Burger King brand in this attack does not accurately reflect the company's commitment and actions on issues relating to animal welfare.
"For more than a decade, Burger King Worldwide has been a leader in the QSR industry, working with influential animal welfare organizations on industry-changing issues such as cage-free eggs and gestation-stalls. Burger King Worldwide has received several awards for its animal welfare efforts ..."
In-N-Out Burger also released a statement about its indirect relationship with Bettencourt Dairies. It reads in part:
"The treatment of the dairy cows at the Idaho dairy is shocking and completely unacceptable. In-N-Out never has and never will condone such inhumane treatment of animals.
"However, In-N-Out does not buy its cheese directly from dairy farms and has no contractual relationship with this dairy. We buy our cheese from an international cheese supplier headquartered in Wisconsin ...
"We are concerned about improving animal welfare and are working with industry leaders and experts to strengthen all aspects of the care and handling of animals."
Read more about the supply chain.
