New Report from World Animal Protection Shows Major Restaurant Chains are Falling Short in Animal Welfare and Environmental Sustainability

World Animal Protection recently released a new corporate scorecard that sheds light on the practices of top restaurant chains when it comes to animal welfare and sustainability. The scorecard reveals that many popular chains are failing both animals and the planet, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the food industry.

One of the key findings of the scorecard is that most restaurant chains are not doing enough to ensure the welfare of animals in their supply chains. Many of these chains source their meat, dairy, and eggs from suppliers that engage in practices that are harmful to animals, such as confinement in small cages or crates, routine use of antibiotics, and lack of access to the outdoors.

In addition to animal welfare concerns, the scorecard also evaluates the environmental impact of these restaurant chains. It found that many chains are not taking sufficient steps to reduce their carbon footprint, minimize food waste, or promote sustainable farming practices. This lack of commitment to sustainability is contributing to the degradation of the environment and exacerbating issues such as climate change and deforestation.

The scorecard ranks restaurant chains on a scale of 0 to 100 based on their performance in various categories, including animal welfare policies, transparency, and sustainability initiatives. Unfortunately, the majority of chains received low scores, indicating that there is significant room for improvement in the industry as a whole.

One of the main recommendations of the scorecard is for restaurant chains to adopt stronger animal welfare policies and commit to sourcing meat, dairy, and eggs from suppliers that adhere to higher standards of care. This includes transitioning to cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, and antibiotic-free meat, as well as providing animals with access to the outdoors and proper veterinary care.

Furthermore, the scorecard calls on restaurant chains to prioritize sustainability in their operations by reducing food waste, sourcing ingredients locally, and supporting regenerative agriculture practices. By taking these steps, chains can not only improve the welfare of animals in their supply chains but also reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

Overall, the release of the corporate scorecard by World Animal Protection serves as a wake-up call to restaurant chains and consumers alike. It highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the food industry, as well as the importance of making ethical and sustainable choices when it comes to food consumption. By supporting chains that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability, consumers can help drive positive change in the industry and create a better future for animals and the planet.