020132 USDA To Seek More Humane Treatment In Meat Plants

Washington - The U.S. Agriculture Department plans to propose stricter meat industry guidelines to ensure the humane treatment of animals destined for human consumption, hamburger giant Burger King Corp., which petitioned the government for the measures, said on Wednesday.

Burger King, owned by London-based Diageo Plc, joined animal rights groups last June to urge USDA to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy for animal welfare violations at U.S. slaughterhouses.

"We believe that people who are eating our products are assuming the food animals being used are treated in a humane manner," said Burger King spokesman Rob Doughty. "We just want everyone to do their part and that includes the government."

In a letter to the company, USDA said the company's petition was considered when developing the proposed rule and "the fundamental issues raised by it will be met in the rulemaking."

Carol Blake, spokeswoman for USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, said the department was reviewing all aspects within the meat industry. Blake said no date has been set for when USDA will issue the proposed rule.

In the petition, Burger King also asked USDA to review stunning procedures at slaughtering facilities and implement corrections where necessary.

Doughty said the additional regulations would not burden its suppliers.

"We found our suppliers were either about to or ready to institute new procedures and standards for more humane treatment of animals," he said.

American Meat Institute President Patrick Boyle said the meatpacking industry would "consider thoughtfully any effort by (USDA) to improve the way it regulates animal handling and stunning in packing plants."

Last June, Burger King implemented stricter standards for the slaughter of its cattle, hogs and chicken, after pressure from animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The guidelines included setting minimum cage space requirements for chickens and standards for ventilation, conveyor feeding and access to water. They also discourage beak trimming.

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