Safeway Promises to Disassociate from Inhumane Suppliers

Safeway has agreed to immediately implement unannounced audits of the treatment of farm animals in accordance with PETA's lobbying efforts. The supermarket chain has also pledged to sever relations with suppliers that fail them, according to Brian Dowling, Safeway's vice president of public relations. Bruce Friedrich, PETA's vegan campaign coordinator, says he will praise Safeway "for recognizing that farmed animals have a capacity for suffering and for pledging to improve farmed animal welfare."

Safeway also plans to implement soon-to-be-released broad guidelines from the Food Marketing Institute that are expected to include several standards including humane handling procedures for chickens in slaughterhouses and for hens that lay eggs, according to Mr. Dowling.

Safeway is PETA's first supermarket target. The animal rights group plans to approach other supermarket chains, according to Friedrich.

Moderator Comment: What is your reaction to Safeway's announcement? How should others react to pressure from groups such as PETA?

Safeway is doing the right thing for ethical as well as public relations reasons. It is important to remember, however, PETA's work will not be done until the entire world goes vegan. [George Anderson - Moderator]

• Safeway Promises PETA It Will Dump Inhumane Suppliers - The Dallas Morning News