Day 066 - 14 Dec 94 - Page 12

     
     1
     2   Q.   What is that?  In general terms, what does that provide for
     3        the welfare of animals?
     4        A.  It provides some guidance as to how the animals should
     5        be treated from the time they are born to the time they are
     6        processed.
     7
     8   Q.   Does one find such legislative provision in all countries
     9        of the world?
    10        A.  No, that is not the case.
    11
    12   Q.   Which parts of the world would one expect to find it and
    13        which one would not?
    14        A.  It will vary.  In most of the developed and major
    15        countries in Europe, it is very intensive.  In some of the
    16        developing countries, it is almost ignored.
    17
    18   Q.   Animal welfare is ignored?
    19        A.  Yes.
    20
    Q.   Despite the fact that it is ignored (and I think, by
    22        implication you have answered my question) at any rate by
    23        the government, does McDonald's itself have any concern for
    24        the welfare of the animals in those countries where there
    25        is no regulation or government legislation?
    26        A.  Yes, we do.  McDonald's has had a policy that all
    27        suppliers that make products for us have to comply with
    28        basically two areas:  One, is local regulations as well as
    29        our own internal policies and procedures and
    30        specifications. So, they have to comply with both.
    31
    32   Q.   Do you have any internal policies -- I know you have them
    33        for food safety -- for animal welfare at McDonald's USA?
    34        A.  We follow the Humane Slaughter Act practices and it is
    35        included as part of -- it is included in our product
    36        specifications that our suppliers most follow those
    37        guidelines.
    38
    39   Q.   Would that apply even in a country which had no comparable
    40        legislation of its own?
         A.  Yes, it will.
    42
    43   Q.   I suppose there may be local variations, for example, in
    44        Islamic countries they would have to use Halal
    45        slaughtering, would they not?
    46        A.  That is correct and we have to follow local
    47        regulations; we have no choice.
    48
    49   Q.   Can I deal then in turn, first of all, with food safety and
    50        then later on today with animal welfare?  As I think you 
    51        agreed a moment ago, the production line, if I can call it 
    52        that, so far as food safety is concerned, really starts on 
    53        the farm, does it?
    54        A.  That is correct.
    55
    56   Q.   And then the slaughterhouse?
    57        A.  That is correct.
    58
    59   Q.   Then if it be a different establishment, the food
    60        processing plant then, finally, in the restaurant?