whole foods market
®meat department
the more you know
Since the 1980
s, our Whole FoodS Market
Quality StandardS For Meat have been
guiding uS in providing the higheSt-Quality
Meat to our cuStoMerS. FroM hoW the
aniMalS are raiSed to FreShneSS and Flavor,
We Work With our producerS to continually
whole foods market
quality standards for meat
antibiotics
Among our early standards for meat, we prohibited the use of antibiotics to
prevent disease because we believe that good management practices are a better
way to maintain animal health. In 2002 we deepened our standards to also
prohibit antibiotic use in treating disease or infection. To ensure that animals
do not suffer, we require that they are given medication if needed, but those
animals cannot be sold to Whole Foods Market.
hormones
Our meat standards prohibit the administration of hormones to farm and ranch
animals, including beef cattle and sheep (the only two species for which the
USDA permits the use of hormones).
animal welfare and food safety
Whole Foods Market has a strong focus on animal welfare with standards for
all species of animals raised for our meat department. In addition to
species-specific standards, we have general animal-welfare standards that include
ensuring animals have enough space to perform their normal behavior and
that prohibit confinement or tethering that prevents freedom of movement.
In 2002 we worked with world-renowned scientist and animal-welfare expert
Dr. Temple Grandin to ensure animal welfare from the time the animals leave
the truck through slaughter.
Our Whole Foods Market meat department standards require
slaughter facilities and processing plants to pass annual third-party
audits for both animal welfare and food safety.
global animal partnership
™5-step
™animal welfare rating program
Founded in 2008, Global Animal Partnership (globalanimalpartnership.org)
is a nonprofit organization that was the first to bring together farmers and
ranchers, scientists, retailers and animal advocates—a diverse group with
the common goal of improving the welfare of animals in agriculture.
Global Animal Partnership’s tiered rating certification requires third-party
audits every 15 months of animal welfare practices and systems on the farm or
ranch and during transport. The program provides consumers with reliable
information and promotes continuous improvement in animal husbandry.
the 5-step animal welfare rating program
at whole foods market
®Whole Foods Market has chosen Global Animal Partnership
certification because we believe it is the clearest and simplest way
for our customers to know how the animals were raised for the meat
they are buying.
All beef, pork, chicken and turkey in our fresh meat cases must come from
producers who have achieved certification to Global Animal Partnership’s
5-Step Animal Welfare Rating. As their rating program expands to other
species, we will require our suppliers for those species to be certified as well.
Meanwhile, rest assured that when you shop at a Whole Foods Market meat
department, all animals were raised by producers with whom we have strong
relationships and who are committed to following the animal husbandry
practices required by our strict quality standards.
As of June 2012, approximately 1,900 operations that supply Whole
Foods Market, raising more than 147 million animals annually, are
certified Step-rated farms and ranches, ranging from Step 1 to Step
5+ through the Global Animal Partnership 5-Step Animal Welfare
Rating program.
the 5 steps
Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating program outlines
specific husbandry and management practices that promote farm-animal
welfare. Step 1 is the first level in the program and a clear departure from
conventional animal agriculture practices.
At Step 1 farmers and ranchers must focus intently on the welfare of
their animals and meet approximately 100 species-specific standards.
For example, most physical alterations widely used in animal
production are prohibited at Step 1.
Beyond Step 1, each successive Step requires more animal-centered practices.
The progressive nature of the 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating program
encourages producers to improve their welfare practices and to attain higher
Step ratings.
the steps:
whole foods market requires at least a step-1 rating for step-rated species
orange
Global Animal Partnership Step 1 Global Animal Partnership Step 2
orange pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 3yelloW
Global Animal Partnership Step 4green
Global Animal Partnership Step 5green pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 5+green pluS
No Cages, No Crowding
Enriched Environment
Enhanced Outdoor Access
Pasture Centered
Bred for Outdoors
Animal Centered;
Entire Life on Same Farm
Animal Centered;
Chicks must be bred, hatched and raised on an integrated farm. Group size less than 500 birds. Group size less than 500 birds. No more than 2 birds per hand
dur-ing catchdur-ing.
Birds must be carried upright, one at a time.
Birds must be able to perch. Birds must be able to perch. Sufficient vegetative material in
forage areas to encourage natural behavior.
Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior.
Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior.
At least 50% vegetative cover on pasture.
At least 75% vegetative cover on pasture.
At least 75% vegetative cover on pasture.
Shade required in all outdoor areas. Shade required in all outdoor areas. Shade required in all outdoor areas. Shade required in all outdoor areas. Continuous outdoor access required
for all birds; indoor foraging area required during seasonal conditions posing a welfare risk.
Birds must live continuously on pasture or in foraging areas ; indoor foraging area required during seasonal conditions posing a welfare risk.
Birds must live continuously on pasture or in foraging areas year round.
Birds must live continuously on pas-ture or in foraging areas year round.
Cover or blinds in housing to enable chickens to hide and isolate them-selves from other birds.
Cover or blinds in outdoor areas AND in housing to enable chickens to hide, isolate themselves from other birds and for protection from predators.
Cover or blinds in outdoor areas AND in housing to enable chickens to hide, isolate themselves from other birds and for protection from predators.
Cover or blinds in outdoor areas to enable chickens to hide, isolate themselves from other birds and for protection from predators.
Cover or blinds in outdoor areas to enable chickens to hide, isolate themselves from other birds and for protection from predators. At least one enrichment in housing. At least two enrichments in housing. At least two enrichments in housing. Enrichment is provided by pasture or forage area rather than in housing. Enrichment is provided by pasture or forage area rather than in housing. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 4-hour transport time. Maximum 4-hour transport time. Maximum 4-hour transport time. Maximum 2-hour transport time. No physical alterations of birds
raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
meat chickens
orange
Global Animal Partnership Step 1 Global Animal Partnership Step 2
orange pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 3yelloW
Global Animal Partnership Step 4green
Global Animal Partnership Step 5green pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 5+green pluS
No Cages, No Crowding
Enriched Environment
Enhanced Outdoor Access
Pasture Centered
Bred for Outdoors
Animal Centered;
Entire Life on Same Farm
Animal Centered;
Chicks must be bred, hatched and raised on an integrated farm. Group size less than 500 birds. Group size less than 500 birds. No more than 2 birds per hand
dur-ing catchdur-ing.
Birds must be carried upright, one at a time.
Birds must be able to perch. Birds must be able to perch. Sufficient vegetative material in
forage areas to encourage natural behavior.
Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior.
Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior.
At least 50% vegetative cover on pasture.
At least 75% vegetative cover on pasture.
At least 75% vegetative cover on pasture.
Shade required in all outdoor areas. Shade required in all outdoor areas. Shade required in all outdoor areas. Shade required in all outdoor areas. Continuous outdoor access required
for all birds; indoor foraging area required during seasonal conditions posing a welfare risk.
Birds must live continuously on pasture or in foraging areas ; indoor foraging area required during seasonal conditions posing a welfare risk.
Birds must live continuously on pasture or in foraging areas year round.
Birds must live continuously on pas-ture or in foraging areas year round.
Cover or blinds in housing to enable chickens to hide and isolate them-selves from other birds.
Cover or blinds in outdoor areas AND in housing to enable chickens to hide, isolate themselves from other birds and for protection from predators.
Cover or blinds in outdoor areas AND in housing to enable chickens to hide, isolate themselves from other birds and for protection from predators.
Cover or blinds in outdoor areas to enable chickens to hide, isolate themselves from other birds and for protection from predators.
Cover or blinds in outdoor areas to enable chickens to hide, isolate themselves from other birds and for protection from predators. At least one enrichment in housing. At least two enrichments in housing. At least two enrichments in housing. Enrichment is provided by pasture or forage area rather than in housing. Enrichment is provided by pasture or forage area rather than in housing. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 4-hour transport time. Maximum 4-hour transport time. Maximum 4-hour transport time. Maximum 2-hour transport time. No physical alterations of birds
raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
No physical alterations of birds raised for meat (including beak trimming, de-spurring, dubbing, caponization).
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
Birds must have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touch-ing another bird; birds must be able to dust bathe.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising chickens.)
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
pigs
orange
Global Animal Partnership Step 1 Global Animal Partnership Step 2
orange pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 3yelloW
Global Animal Partnership Step 4green
Global Animal Partnership Step 5green pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 5+green pluS
No Crates, Stalls or Cages
Enriched Environment
Enhanced Outdoor Access
Pasture Centered
No Physical Alterations
Animal Centered;
Entire Life on Same Farm
Animal Centered;
On-farm or local slaughter. Pigs remain with litter mates for entire
lives.
Pigs remain with litter mates for entire lives.
Unrestricted access to wallows. Unrestricted access to wallows. Unrestricted access to wallows. At least 25% vegetative cover on
pasture. If nose-ringed, at least 50% vegetative cover.
At least 50% vegetative cover
on pasture. At least 50% vegetative cover on pasture. Sufficient vegetative material in forage
areas to encourage natural behavior.
Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior.
Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior. Continuous, unobstructed outdoor
access required.
Continuous access to pasture or foraging areas required when seasonal conditions permit; outdoor access required at all times; duration of seasonal removal limited.
Animals live on pasture or in foraging areas for their entire lives; no seasonal removal permitted.
Animals live on pasture or in foraging areas for their entire lives; no seasonal removal permitted.
Enrichments required in housing to encourage foraging behavior.
Enrichments required in housing to encourage foraging behavior.
Confinement to housing permit-ted only on a seasonal basis (not to exceed 5 months in a 12-month period) or during extreme weather conditions.
May be confined to housing only during extreme weather conditions.
May be confined to housing only during extreme weather conditions. Maximum castration age of 7 days. Maximum castration age of 7 days. Maximum castration age of 7 days . Maximum castration age of 7 days. No castration. No castration.
Minimum weaning age of 28 days. Minimum weaning age of 35 days. Minimum weaning age of 42 days. Minimum weaning age of 42 days. Minimum weaning age of 56 days. Minimum weaning age of 56 days. Lameness levels must not exceed 5%
of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 4% of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 3% of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 2% of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 2% of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 2% of herd at any one time.
Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in huts and outdoor housing. Bedding required in huts and outdoor housing. Bedding required in huts and outdoor housing. Space in housing for pigs to exercise,
lie and move freely without obstruc-tion. No more than 25% total floor area can be slatted.
Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruc-tion. No more than 25% total floor area can be slatted.
Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruc-tion. No more than 25% total floor area can be slatted.
Free access to housing or huts. Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruction.
Free access to housing or huts. Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruction.
Free access to housing or huts. Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruction. No tail docking, tooth clipping,
de-tusking, disk nose rings. No tail docking, tooth clipping, de-tusking, disk nose rings. No tail docking, tooth clipping, de-tusking, disk nose rings. No tail docking, tooth clipping, de-tusking, disk nose rings.
No tail docking, tooth clipping, grinding or filing, no de-tusking, no disk or septum nose rings.
No tail docking, tooth clipping, grinding or filing, no de-tusking, no disk or septum nose rings. Maximum 14-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. No transport permitted. Electric prods prohibited on farm and
during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
No gestation crates, farrowing stalls
or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No antibiotics, no animal by-products,
no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport whole foods market requires at least an orange step-1 rating for pigs
orange
Global Animal Partnership Step 1 Global Animal Partnership Step 2
orange pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 3yelloW
Global Animal Partnership Step 4green
Global Animal Partnership Step 5green pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 5+green pluS
No Crates, Stalls or Cages
Enriched Environment
Enhanced Outdoor Access
Pasture Centered
No Physical Alterations
Animal Centered;
Entire Life on Same Farm
Animal Centered;
On-farm or local slaughter. Pigs remain with litter mates for entire
lives.
Pigs remain with litter mates for entire lives.
Unrestricted access to wallows. Unrestricted access to wallows. Unrestricted access to wallows. At least 25% vegetative cover on
pasture. If nose-ringed, at least 50% vegetative cover.
At least 50% vegetative cover
on pasture. At least 50% vegetative cover on pasture. Sufficient vegetative material in forage
areas to encourage natural behavior.
Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior.
Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior. Continuous, unobstructed outdoor
access required.
Continuous access to pasture or foraging areas required when seasonal conditions permit; outdoor access required at all times; duration of seasonal removal limited.
Animals live on pasture or in foraging areas for their entire lives; no seasonal removal permitted.
Animals live on pasture or in foraging areas for their entire lives; no seasonal removal permitted.
Enrichments required in housing to encourage foraging behavior.
Enrichments required in housing to encourage foraging behavior.
Confinement to housing permit-ted only on a seasonal basis (not to exceed 5 months in a 12-month period) or during extreme weather conditions.
May be confined to housing only during extreme weather conditions.
May be confined to housing only during extreme weather conditions. Maximum castration age of 7 days. Maximum castration age of 7 days. Maximum castration age of 7 days . Maximum castration age of 7 days. No castration. No castration.
Minimum weaning age of 28 days. Minimum weaning age of 35 days. Minimum weaning age of 42 days. Minimum weaning age of 42 days. Minimum weaning age of 56 days. Minimum weaning age of 56 days. Lameness levels must not exceed 5%
of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 4% of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 3% of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 2% of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 2% of herd at any one time.
Lameness levels must not exceed 2% of herd at any one time.
Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in huts and outdoor housing. Bedding required in huts and outdoor housing. Bedding required in huts and outdoor housing. Space in housing for pigs to exercise,
lie and move freely without obstruc-tion. No more than 25% total floor area can be slatted.
Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruc-tion. No more than 25% total floor area can be slatted.
Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruc-tion. No more than 25% total floor area can be slatted.
Free access to housing or huts. Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruction.
Free access to housing or huts. Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruction.
Free access to housing or huts. Space in housing for pigs to exercise, lie and move freely without obstruction. No tail docking, tooth clipping,
de-tusking, disk nose rings. No tail docking, tooth clipping, de-tusking, disk nose rings. No tail docking, tooth clipping, de-tusking, disk nose rings. No tail docking, tooth clipping, de-tusking, disk nose rings.
No tail docking, tooth clipping, grinding or filing, no de-tusking, no disk or septum nose rings.
No tail docking, tooth clipping, grinding or filing, no de-tusking, no disk or septum nose rings. Maximum 14-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. Maximum 8-hour transport time. No transport permitted. Electric prods prohibited on farm and
during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
Electric prods prohibited on farm and during transport.
No gestation crates, farrowing stalls
or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No gestation crates, farrowing stalls or tethers. No antibiotics, no animal by-products,
no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones.
(USDA regulations do not permit the use of growth hormones in raising pigs.)
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport
beef cattle
orange
Global Animal Partnership Step 1 Global Animal Partnership Step 2
orange pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 3yelloW
Global Animal Partnership Step 4green
Global Animal Partnership Step 5green pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 5+green pluS
No Crowding
Enriched Environment
Pasture Centered
No Physical Alterations
Animal Centered;
Entire Life on Same Farm
Animal Centered;
There is no Yellow/Step 3
for cattle.
On farm or local slaughter. Branding and ear notching are
prohibited.
Branding and ear notching are prohibited.
Objects must be provided for grooming and scratching (natural behavior).
Pasture/range provides environment for expression of natural behavior.
Pasture/range provides environment for expression of natural behavior.
Pasture/range provides environment for expression of natural behavior. At least 50% vegetative cover on
range/pasture. At least 50% vegetative cover on range/pasture. At least 50% vegetative cover on range/pasture. At least 75% vegetative cover on range/pasture. At least 75% vegetative cover on range/pasture. At least 7 of life on range/pasture. At least 7 of life on range/pasture. At least 8 of life on range/pasture. Entire life on range or pasture. Entire life on range or pasture.
Maximum castration age 6 months using approved method for Step 1.
Maximum castration age 3 months using approved method for Steps 2–4.
Maximum castration age 3 months using approved method for Steps 2–4.
Castration prohibited. Castration prohibited. De-horning and routine horn
tip-ping are prohibited. De-horning and routine horn tip-ping are prohibited. De-horning and routine horn tip-ping are prohibited. Dehorning, routine horn tipping and disbudding are prohibited. Dehorning, routine horn tipping and disbudding are prohibited. Minimum weaning age of 6 months. Minimum weaning age of 6 months. Minimum weaning age of 6 months. Minimum weaning age of 8 months. Natural weaning.
Maximum 25-hour transport. Maximum 16-hour transport. Maximum 16-hour transport. Maximum 8-hour transport. No transport permitted. No market animals purchased from
sale or auction barns. No market animals purchased from sale or auction barns. No market animals purchased from sale or auction barns. No market animals purchased or sold through sale or auction barns. No market animals purchased or sold through sale or auction barns. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required if housed. Bedding required if housed. Space in housing for cattle to
exercise, lie and move about freely without obstruction.
Space in housing for cattle to exercise, lie and move about freely without obstruction.
Space in seasonal housing for cattle to exercise, lie and move about freely without obstruction.
Housing permitted only in weather
emergency. Housing permitted only in weather emergency. Electric prods prohibited except in
case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
Electric prods prohibited except in case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
Electric prods prohibited except in case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
Electric prods prohibited except in case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
Electric prods prohibited except in case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones. Calves only moved to access range/
pasture with mother. Calves only moved to access range/pasture with mother. Calves only moved to access range/pasture with mother. Calves only moved to access range/pasture with mother. Calves only moved to access range/pasture with mother. All animals must be protected from
heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
All animals must be protected from heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
All animals must be protected from heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
All animals must be protected from heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
All animals must be protected from heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
Independent 3rd-party audits
of farm and transport. Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport. Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport. Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport. Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport. whole foods market requires at least an orange step-1 rating for beef cattle
orange
Global Animal Partnership Step 1 Global Animal Partnership Step 2
orange pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 3yelloW
Global Animal Partnership Step 4green
Global Animal Partnership Step 5green pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 5+green pluS
No Crowding
Enriched Environment
Pasture Centered
No Physical Alterations
Animal Centered;
Entire Life on Same Farm
Animal Centered;
There is no Yellow/Step 3
for cattle.
On farm or local slaughter. Branding and ear notching are
prohibited.
Branding and ear notching are prohibited.
Objects must be provided for grooming and scratching (natural behavior).
Pasture/range provides environment for expression of natural behavior.
Pasture/range provides environment for expression of natural behavior.
Pasture/range provides environment for expression of natural behavior. At least 50% vegetative cover on
range/pasture. At least 50% vegetative cover on range/pasture. At least 50% vegetative cover on range/pasture. At least 75% vegetative cover on range/pasture. At least 75% vegetative cover on range/pasture. At least 7 of life on range/pasture. At least 7 of life on range/pasture. At least 8 of life on range/pasture. Entire life on range or pasture. Entire life on range or pasture.
Maximum castration age 6 months using approved method for Step 1.
Maximum castration age 3 months using approved method for Steps 2–4.
Maximum castration age 3 months using approved method for Steps 2–4.
Castration prohibited. Castration prohibited. De-horning and routine horn
tip-ping are prohibited. De-horning and routine horn tip-ping are prohibited. De-horning and routine horn tip-ping are prohibited. Dehorning, routine horn tipping and disbudding are prohibited. Dehorning, routine horn tipping and disbudding are prohibited. Minimum weaning age of 6 months. Minimum weaning age of 6 months. Minimum weaning age of 6 months. Minimum weaning age of 8 months. Natural weaning.
Maximum 25-hour transport. Maximum 16-hour transport. Maximum 16-hour transport. Maximum 8-hour transport. No transport permitted. No market animals purchased from
sale or auction barns. No market animals purchased from sale or auction barns. No market animals purchased from sale or auction barns. No market animals purchased or sold through sale or auction barns. No market animals purchased or sold through sale or auction barns. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required in all housing. Bedding required if housed. Bedding required if housed. Space in housing for cattle to
exercise, lie and move about freely without obstruction.
Space in housing for cattle to exercise, lie and move about freely without obstruction.
Space in seasonal housing for cattle to exercise, lie and move about freely without obstruction.
Housing permitted only in weather
emergency. Housing permitted only in weather emergency. Electric prods prohibited except in
case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
Electric prods prohibited except in case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
Electric prods prohibited except in case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
Electric prods prohibited except in case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
Electric prods prohibited except in case of imminent danger to animal or handler.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones.
No antibiotics, no animal by-prod-ucts, no added growth hormones. Calves only moved to access range/
pasture with mother. Calves only moved to access range/pasture with mother. Calves only moved to access range/pasture with mother. Calves only moved to access range/pasture with mother. Calves only moved to access range/pasture with mother. All animals must be protected from
heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
All animals must be protected from heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
All animals must be protected from heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
All animals must be protected from heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
All animals must be protected from heat or cold stress and from extreme weather.
Independent 3rd-party audits
of farm and transport. Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport. Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport. Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport. Independent 3rd-party audits of farm and transport. indicates a shift to a higher level of animal welfare
turkeys
orange
Global Animal Partnership Step 1 Global Animal Partnership Step 2
orange pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 3yelloW
Global Animal Partnership Step 4green
Global Animal Partnership Step 5green pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 5+green pluS
No Crowding
Enriched Environment
Enhanced Outdoor Access
Pasture Centered
No Physical Alterations
Animal Centered;
Entire Life on Same Farm
Animal Centered;
Turkeys must remain on the operation at all times from placement through slaughter. All birds must be able to perch
simultaneously in outdoor areas; all birds must be able to perch simultaneously if indoors at night.
All birds must be able to perch simultaneously in outdoor areas; all birds must be able to perch simultaneously if indoors at night. Land must be managed to prevent
degradation and minimize risk of parasite and disease.
Land must be managed to prevent degradation and minimize risk of parasite and disease.
Land must be managed to prevent degradation and minimize risk of parasite and disease.
Covered outdoor area with natural light and fresh air equal to at least 35% of total indoor floor space required for seasonally housed turkeys.
Covered outdoor area with natural light and fresh air equal to at least 50% of total indoor floor space required for seasonally housed turkeys.
Turkeys must have continuous outdoor access unless weather con-ditions pose a welfare risk.
Turkeys must have continuous outdoor access unless weather conditions pose a welfare risk. At least 25% of occupied outdoor
area covered with vegetation and/ or forage.
At least 50% of occupied outdoor area covered with vegetation and/ or forage.
At least 75% of occupied outdoor area covered with vegetation and/ or forage.
At least 75% of occupied outdoor area covered with vegetation and/ or forage.
Each outdoor area must have shade to
cover all turkeys simultaneously. Each outdoor area must have shade to cover all turkeys simultaneously. Each outdoor area must have shade to cover all turkeys simultaneously. Each outdoor area must have shade to cover all turkeys simultaneously. Continuous access to the outdoors at
7 weeks of age if climatic conditions do not pose a welfare risk.
Continuous access to the outdoors at 7 weeks of age if climatic conditions do not pose a welfare risk.
Continuous access to the outdoors at 7 weeks of age except during extreme weather.
Continuous access to the outdoors at 7 weeks of age except during extreme weather.
At least one enrichment in housing. At least two different enrichments in housing. At least two different enrichments in housing. Enrichment is provided in outdoor area rather than in housing.
Enrichment is provided by pasture or foraging area rather than in housing.
Beak trimming permitted only if performed at hatchery by infrared system. No retrimming permitted.
Beak trimming permitted only if performed at hatchery by infrared system. No retrimming permitted.
Beak trimming permitted only if performed at hatchery by infrared system. No retrimming permitted.
Beak trimming not permitted. Beak trimming not permitted. Beak trimming not permitted. Maximum transport time 8 hours. Maximum transport time 8 hours. Maximum transport time 8 hours. Maximum transport time 4 hours. Maximum transport time 4 hours. Maximum transport time 2 hours. Must have footpad dermatitis and
lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 20.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 15.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 10.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 10.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 10.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 10.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock. Space to perform natural behavior
including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport. whole foods market requires at least an orange step-1 rating for turkeys
orange
Global Animal Partnership Step 1 Global Animal Partnership Step 2
orange pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 3yelloW
Global Animal Partnership Step 4green
Global Animal Partnership Step 5green pluS
Global Animal Partnership Step 5+green pluS
No Crowding
Enriched Environment
Enhanced Outdoor Access
Pasture Centered
No Physical Alterations
Animal Centered;
Entire Life on Same Farm
Animal Centered;
Turkeys must remain on the operation at all times from placement through slaughter. All birds must be able to perch
simultaneously in outdoor areas; all birds must be able to perch simultaneously if indoors at night.
All birds must be able to perch simultaneously in outdoor areas; all birds must be able to perch simultaneously if indoors at night. Land must be managed to prevent
degradation and minimize risk of parasite and disease.
Land must be managed to prevent degradation and minimize risk of parasite and disease.
Land must be managed to prevent degradation and minimize risk of parasite and disease.
Covered outdoor area with natural light and fresh air equal to at least 35% of total indoor floor space required for seasonally housed turkeys.
Covered outdoor area with natural light and fresh air equal to at least 50% of total indoor floor space required for seasonally housed turkeys.
Turkeys must have continuous outdoor access unless weather con-ditions pose a welfare risk.
Turkeys must have continuous outdoor access unless weather conditions pose a welfare risk. At least 25% of occupied outdoor
area covered with vegetation and/ or forage.
At least 50% of occupied outdoor area covered with vegetation and/ or forage.
At least 75% of occupied outdoor area covered with vegetation and/ or forage.
At least 75% of occupied outdoor area covered with vegetation and/ or forage.
Each outdoor area must have shade to
cover all turkeys simultaneously. Each outdoor area must have shade to cover all turkeys simultaneously. Each outdoor area must have shade to cover all turkeys simultaneously. Each outdoor area must have shade to cover all turkeys simultaneously. Continuous access to the outdoors at
7 weeks of age if climatic conditions do not pose a welfare risk.
Continuous access to the outdoors at 7 weeks of age if climatic conditions do not pose a welfare risk.
Continuous access to the outdoors at 7 weeks of age except during extreme weather.
Continuous access to the outdoors at 7 weeks of age except during extreme weather.
At least one enrichment in housing. At least two different enrichments in housing. At least two different enrichments in housing. Enrichment is provided in outdoor area rather than in housing.
Enrichment is provided by pasture or foraging area rather than in housing.
Beak trimming permitted only if performed at hatchery by infrared system. No retrimming permitted.
Beak trimming permitted only if performed at hatchery by infrared system. No retrimming permitted.
Beak trimming permitted only if performed at hatchery by infrared system. No retrimming permitted.
Beak trimming not permitted. Beak trimming not permitted. Beak trimming not permitted. Maximum transport time 8 hours. Maximum transport time 8 hours. Maximum transport time 8 hours. Maximum transport time 4 hours. Maximum transport time 4 hours. Maximum transport time 2 hours. Must have footpad dermatitis and
lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 20.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 15.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 10.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 10.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 10.
Must have footpad dermatitis and lameness monitoring programs. Implement intervention plan if score exceeds 10.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock.
Twice a day observation and monitoring of every flock. Space to perform natural behavior
including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Space to perform natural behavior including standing, turning around, preening.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.
Independent 3rd party audits of farms and transport.