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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Humane Farm Animal Care?
Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) is a national nonprofit organization that was created to improve the lives of farm animals through the highest animal welfare standards for farm animals in food production. This program includes all stages of the animal’s life including handling and slaughter. HFAC does that through the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® certification and labeling program for meat, eggs, dairy, and poultry products. These products are from animals raised according to Humane Farm Animal Care’s Animal Care Standards.
Humane Farm Animal Care is funded by contributions from individual donors, foundations, and some humane organizations. Humane Farm Animal Care is endorsed by a consortium of animal welfare organizations, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), the Atlanta Humane Society, the Humane Society of Vero Beach, the Hawaiian Humane Society, The Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCALA), and others. The full listing can be found on our website at www.certifiedhumane.org
What is the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® program?
The Certified Humane Raised & Handled® program is the only farm animal welfare and food labeling program in the U.S. dedicated to improving the welfare of farm animals in food production and include all stages of the animal’s life including handling and slaughter.
What do the standards require?
Humane Farm Animal Care’s Animal Care Standards require that animals have ample space, shelter and gentle handling to limit stress and additionally require that:
• The use of growth hormones and antibiotics is prohibited;
• Animals must be free to move and not be confined – Cages, crates and tie stalls are prohibited. This means that chickens are able to flap their wings and dust bathe, and pigs have the space to move around and root;
• Livestock have access to sufficient, clean, and nutritious feed and water;
• They must have sufficient protection from weather elements and an environment that promotes well being;
• Managers and caretakers must be thoroughly trained, skilled and competent in animal husbandry and welfare, and have good working knowledge of their system and the livestock in their care.
• Farmers and Ranchers must comply with food safety and environmental regulations.
How were the Animal Care Standards created?
The standards were created by a committee of animal scientists and veterinarians with expertise in farm animal issues. The team reviewed the latest research and consulted established standards and guidelines, such as those in use by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in England, and other standards and guidelines recognized for the humane care of animals. The Animal Care Standards are updated by the scientific committee as new research and information on farm animal welfare becomes available.
Does Certified Humane® mean “free range?”
Many Certified Humane® products are free-range, but welfare is more important to us than the farming system involved – and free-range does not automatically guarantee improved welfare. After many discussion from experts in veterinary and welfare science, farm animal research and people with practical farming experience we found that appropriately designed and well managed indoor systems can equally satisfy an animal’s key requirements.
Does Certified Humane® mean “organic?”
Not necessarily. HFAC is concerned primarily with welfare, while organic programs focus primarily on environmental sustainability. Of course, any producer, organic or otherwise, who meets all of the Animal Care Standards can become Certified Humane®.
How will I know which products in the supermarket are Certified Humane®?
Producers who are certified under the Certified Humane program may use the Certified Humane Raised & Handled® logo on their packaging. Look for the Certified Humane Raised & Handled® logo to ensure that the products you purchase meet the highest farm animal welfare standards.
How can I ask my grocer or favorite restaurant to offer Certified Humane® foods?
If your grocer or local restaurant doesn’t carry products with the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® logo, go to our Web site at www.certifiedhumane.org and visit our ACTION CENTER for a variety of options. First and foremost, purchase products that have the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® logo on them.
How do producers achieve Certified Humane Raised and Handled® certification?
Producers must apply to the program, by completing a lengthy application. After the HFAC office receives and reviews the application, and determines if it meets the standards, an inspector is assigned to do the inspection. The inspector performs an onsite inspection, including interviews with staff, review of records, and observation and evaluation of operating procedures. Handling and slaughter inspections in conjunction with those animals are also conducted. If the entire operation meets all the standards and the producer passes the inspection, the producer is certified for a one-year period and subsequently allowed to carry the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® logo on its products. Each certified producer must reapply and be re-inspected annually in order to maintain certification.
Inspections include the entire process, the slaughter process as well and traceability – to make sure the product in the packages/cartons or meat case came from the animals that were inspected.
What happens if the producer fails to meet the standards?
If an applicant does not meet all of the standards, certification will be denied. (This also applies to producers who have applied for annual renewal of their certification.) Certification may also be denied for failure to provide HFAC access to the supplier’s facility and records, presentation of false or misleading information, or other evidence of noncompliance. If a producer fails to follow the standards, their certification will be revoked.