Undercover video footage captured at a number of egg farms in British Colombia has once again captured some media attention around animal health and welfare.
CTV Vancouver covered this issue at the end of June with a series of stories:
- Click here to see the first story that aired on CTV Vancouver on June 25th
- Click here to view the follow-up story that CTV Vancouver aired on June 26th
- Click here to view the follow-up story that CTV Vancouver aired on June 27th
While this issue initially garnered local and national coverage from television, radio, and print media, it does not appear to have much traction left. For the most part, the coverage has reflected positively on Canada’s foodservice industry, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring professional, ethical standards are maintained when it comes to animal welfare.
However, if you receive any media inquiries as a result of this video or related concerns, please direct them to Lyne Robichaud, Senior Public Affairs Office at Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) at 613-809-9698 / lrobichaud@eggs.ca.
The Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council (CPEPC) has provided Restaurants Canada with the following key messages on animal welfare:
- The CPEPC and its member companies place a high priority on the assurance of animal health and welfare and are involved, proactively and continuously, in initiatives that result in enhanced animal health and welfare.
- Eggs are produced in a variety of housing environments in response to marketplace demand. No matter the housing environment, animal welfare is a top priority for all stakeholders in the egg industry.
- Along with farm organizations, animal welfare groups, veterinarians, animal scientists, federal and provincial governments and interested individuals, the CPEPC participates in the development of Codes of Practice for the care and handling of all poultry.
- The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens was recently updated through the National Farm Animal Care Council process and published in March 2017.
- The CPEPC and its member companies do not support or approve of practices that are inconsistent with the Codes of Practice.
Industry actions as a result of this video:
- The eggs from the farms identified by CTV were held on farm.
- Industry requested that a panel of independent experts review the video (as per the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity process). Click here to read their report.
- Third-party animal care audits were conducted on June 22nd.
- An investigative team put together by EFC visited the farms as soon as possible. The team consists of independent experts and representatives from EFC and the BC Egg Board.
If you would like to view the entirety of the undercover video footage, which was captured by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), CPEPC advises that you contact them to request a copy of the MP4 file and do not try to access the link on the PETA website.