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McDonald's commits to sustainable beef supply starting in 2016

January 8, 2014

McDonald's announced on its website this week that it will begin purchasing verified sustainable beef in 2016. In transition, the company said it will "listen, learn and collaborate with stakeholders from farm to the front counter to develop sustainable beef solutions."

The company's statement also said, in part: "We want to do our part to improve environmental practices in the way beef is produced, support positive workplaces in the beef industry and drive continuous improvement in animal health and welfare."

GreenBiz.com reports the chain sells more than $5 billion in Big Macs and hamburgers each year.

McDonalds is working with other food companies, as well as the World Wildlife Fund to ensure proper sourcing. They're also collaborating with a group called Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

From GreenBiz:

The group developed six draft principles that the membership is currently considering, along with multiple criteria within each of those principles. The principles cover people (human rights, safe and healthy work environment), community (culture, heritage, employment, land rights, health), animal health and welfare, food safety and quality, natural resources (ecosystem health) and efficiency and innovation (reducing waste, optimizing production, economic vitality).

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