Hormones and Steroids
George’s does not utilize hormones or steroids in raising chickens, in accordance with federal law.
Antibiotics
George’s only uses antibiotics when we believe it is necessary to maintain the health and well-being of our chickens. We know that antibiotic resistance is a global health concern; therefore, we do not routinely use antibiotics important for human medicine in treating our chickens. Sometimes animals do get sick, and when this happens, we will provide Food & Drug Administration approved treatments, as prescribed by a board certified poultry veterinarian. Furthermore, chickens for our retail brand Georges Farmers Market® are raised with no antibiotics, ever.
Georges Farmers Market®: Feeding US-Sourced Grains
Flocks raised for our retail brand Georges Farmers Market® are fed a diet of wholesome, US-sourced grains, grown right here in America’s heartland. We believe that quality in means quality out. As our global community grows more connected and grains are regularly shipped to and from the United States from countries such as Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure consistent quality and integrity. Not only are quality standards in other countries out of our control but also imported grains can arrive in a different condition than agreed upon and are difficult to ship back to the country of origin when they don’t meet quality standards. Factors such as moisture and residue in shipping containers from previous shipments can affect the quality and wholesomeness of grains that may make their way into our food supply.
US-sourced grains have an added advantage with the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). Established in 1994, GIPSA facilitates the marketing of livestock, poultry, meat, cereals, oilseeds, and other regulated agricultural products, while promoting fair and competitive trading practices to benefit both consumers and American agriculture. As part of GIPSA’s mission, the Federal Grain Inspection Service provides the US grain market with federal quality standards and a uniform system for applying them. This ensures superior quality and integrity of U.S. grains as compared to imported grains.
Animal Well-Being
George’s is committed to the ethical treatment of animals, and utilizes the National Chicken Council’s (NCC) animal welfare guidelines for broiler chickens. These guidelines are in place to ensure broiler chickens are properly cared for and treated with respect throughout their lives. George’s also expects the growers with whom we contract to comply with these guidelines, which lay out best practices in the following areas: housing; density; feed; water; veterinary attention; proper handling; humane slaughter; breeding; inoculation; and ventilation. For details on the NCC guidelines, please visit NCC’s website at www.nationalchickencouncil.org. George’s requires all employees who work with animals and all independent contract growers to undergo annual training on George’s animal welfare policy.
To learn more about how chickens are raised visit https://www.chickencheck.in/chicken-guarantees/
Learn more about how chickens are raised and check out the Day in the Life video series. Follow along as we explore the first day baby chicks arrive on the farm to when they are transported to processing seven weeks later.
