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Panera Bread progressing toward animal welfare goals

Among its successes: 91 percent of Panera's pork supply is antibiotic-free, 80 percent of is beef is grass-fed and 100 percent of its chicken is antibiotic-free.

December 17, 2014

Panera Bread is making progress toward improving the welfare of poultry and livestock in its supply chain under the Food Policy rolled out earlier this year, according to a report issued by the company.

Among successes cited in the report, 91 percent of Panera's pork supply is antibiotic-free, 80 percent of is beef is grass-fed and 100 percent of its chicken is antibiotic-free.

"For years, Panera has been working closely with farmers, ranchers and experts, to learn how we can tangibly improve conditions for the farm animals in our supply chain. We've intentionally reduced or eliminated the use of antibiotics and confinement because we believe those are among the most critical animal welfare issues we can impact," said Blaine Hurst, EVP and chief Transformation and Growth Officer for Panera Bread, in a company press release.

Details from the report:

Pigs

In 2014, that meant 91 percent of Panera's pork supply received no antibiotics ever and was sourced from farms where pregnant sows are able to roam freely in group housing. These pigs are also fed a vegetarian-only diet. By January 2015, Panera intends for its entire pork supply -- approximately 8 million pounds -- to meet or exceed these standards.

Beef Cattle

In 2014, 80 percent -- or more than 2 million pounds -- of the beef served by Panera was grass-fed.

Eggs

In 2014, 18 percent of the more than 70 million eggs the company served -- including shell eggs, hard boiled and liquid egg whites -- came from laying hens raised in cage-free environments. All hens that supply shell eggs and hard boiled eggs for Panera also met the standard for no antibiotics ever and vegetarian-only diet.

Chicken

In 2014, Panera marked 10 years serving chicken that received no antibiotics ever. This year, 100 percent of the chicken served in sandwiches and salads met this standard, and had a vegetarian-only diet.

Turkey

Nearly all the roasted turkey also received no antibiotics ever. Roasted turkey accounts for almost one-third of the turkey served on Panera's sandwiches and salads.

Panera's report has been praised by animal welfare groups.

"Providing transparency is a critical step for any food business to take if they are serious about farm animal welfare. Panera Bread has done that today by communicating their current standards," said Leah Garces, USA Director Compassion in World Farming. "Food companies have the power to make a big difference to the lives of farm animals, and that begins with examining their supply chain and identifying opportunities where welfare standards can be improved. We commend Panera Bread for their transparency and look forward to seeing their progress over time."

World Animal Protection also praised Panera's efforts.

"These comprehensive moves by Panera Bread set a strong example for businesses around the world," says Kara Mergl, World Animal Protection's U.S. Manager of Corporate Engagement, in a release from the organization.  "Panera's increasing use of more humane animal housing systems shows that kinder farming isn't just possible, but crucial. We applaud the positive impact Panera's progress will have on the lives of so many animals."