By George Anderson
The animal rights group PETA said it is encouraged by McDonald's decision to investigate switching to suppliers who use a more humane approach to slaughtering chickens.
The method being investigated is controlled-atmosphere killing (CAK) whereby birds are put to sleep. The process is approved for use by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and, according to PETA, McDonald's already uses suppliers in Europe who use CAK technology.
Anna Rozenich, a spokesperson for McDonald's, told CNN/Money that the fast food operator is "committed to animal welfare leadership and to working with our suppliers and recognized experts on animal welfare issues."
Moderator's Comment: Are restaurants and others who sell food ethically responsible for the methods used to produce the food (grow, harvest or slaughter, manufacture) they sell? - George Anderson - Moderator