Humane Farm Animal Care  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Humane Farm Animal Care?

Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) is a national nonprofit organization that was created to improve the lives of farm animals through the highest animal welfare standards for farm animals in food production. This program includes all stages of the animal’s life including handling and slaughter.   HFAC does that through the Certified Humane Raised and Handled ® certification and labeling program for meat, eggs, dairy, and poultry products.  These products are from animals raised according to Humane Farm Animal Care’s Animal Care Standards. 

Humane Farm Animal Care is funded by contributions from individual donors, foundations, and some humane organizations. Numerous animal welfare organizations endorse the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® program, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), the Atlanta Humane Society, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and others.  The full listing can be found on our website at www.certifiedhumane.org

What is the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® program?

The Certified Humane Raised & Handled® program is the only farm animal welfare and food labeling program in the U.S. that is dedicated to improving the welfare of farm animals in food production. This includes all stages of the animal’s life including handling and slaughter. 

What do the standards require?

Humane Farm Animal Care’s Animal Care Standards require that animals have ample space, shelter and gentle handling to limit stress:

• The use of growth hormones and antibiotics is prohibited
• Animals must be free to move and not be confined
  • Cages, crates and tie stalls are forbidden,
    • for example, chickens are able to flap their wings and dust   bathe, and pigs have the space to move around and root
• Animals must  have access to clean and sufficient food and water  
  • Their environment is not dangerous to their health
  • They have sufficient protection from weather elements
• Farmers and Ranchers must comply with food safety and environmental regulations

In addition, the standards require that managers and caretakers be thoroughly trained, skilled and competent in animal husbandry and welfare, and have good working knowledge of their system and the livestock in their care.

How were the Animal Care Standards created?

A committee of animal scientists and veterinarians with expertise in farm animal issues created the standards. The team reviewed the latest research and consulted established standards and guidelines regarding the proper care of animals. For example, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in England, has standards for its Freedom food program. The scientific committee updates the Animal Care Standards as new research and information on farm animal welfare becomes available.

Does “Certified Humane” mean “free range?”

Many “Certified Humane” products are free-range, but the welfare of the animal is more important to us than the farming system involved. Free-range does not automatically guarantee improved welfare. After many discussions with experts in veterinary and welfare science, farm animal research and people with practical farming experience we found that appropriately designed and well managed indoor systems can equally or better satisfy an animal’s key requirements. For example, avoiding freezing temperatures or overheating, protection against predators, protection and as long as the air quality is high and the animal, and for hens, for example, as long as they can forage, perch, nest and dust bathe, they can have a good life.

Does “Certified Humane” mean “organic?”

Not necessarily.  HFAC is concerned primarily with welfare, while organic programs focus primarily on environmental sustainability.  Of course, any producer, organic or otherwise, who meets all of the Animal Care Standards can become “Certified Humane.”

How will I know which products in the supermarket are Certified Humane?

Producers who are certified under the Certified Humane program may use the Certified Humane Raised & Handled® logo on their packaging.  Look for the Certified Humane Raised & Handled® logo to ensure that the products you purchase meet the highest farm animal welfare standards.

How can I ask my grocer or favorite restaurant to offer Certified Humane foods?

If your grocer or local restaurant doesn’t carry products with the Certified Humane Raised and Handled logo, go to our Web site at www.certifiedhumane.org and visit our ACTION CENTER for a variety of options.  First and foremost, purchase products that have the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® logo on them.  

Are there other reasons to trust the Certified Humane label?

In addition to earning the backing of major humane organizations.  Humane Farm Animal Care is the only animal welfare certification organization in the U.S. accredited under International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 65 for certification bodies.   As part of the ISO process, Humane Farm Animal Care is audited annually. In fact, we are the only animal welfare certification organization in the U.S. that has achieved that accreditation.  Because the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock and Seed Division audits the ISO process, Humane Farm Animal Care is audited by the USDA annually. (www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/arc/iso65.htm)  This assures consumers that we are accountable to them and that we are doing everything that we say we are doing. 

Is there really a demand for humanely raised food?

A recent study on behalf of the United Egg Producers found that three out of four American consumers (75%) would choose food products certified as protecting animal care over those that are not. The study also revealed that they would be willing to make that choice in favor of animal care even if the products might cost more.  In the heartland, a 2006 study revealed that 51 percent of Ohioans believed there is a need for increased regulation to improve the treatment of farm animals. 

The growth of the “Certified Humane” program proves the demand for humanely raised food.  The program has grown exponentially since its launch in 2003.

How do producers achieve Certified Humane Raised and Handled certification?

Producers must apply to the program, by completing a lengthy application.  After the HFAC office receives and reviews the application, and determines if it meets the standards, an inspector is assigned to do the inspection.  The inspector performs an onsite inspection, including interviews with staff, review of records, and observation and evaluation of operating procedures.  Handling and slaughter inspections in conjunction with those animals are also conducted.  If the entire operation meets all the standards and the producer passes the inspection, the producer is certified for a one-year period and subsequently allowed to carry the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® logo on its products.  Each certified producer must reapply and be re-inspected annually in order to maintain certification.

Inspections include the entire process, the slaughter process as well and traceability – to make sure the product in the packages/cartons or meat case came from the animals that were inspected.  

What happens if the producer fails to meet the standards?

The applicant must meet all of the standards.  Otherwise, the company’s products do not qualify to carry the “Certified Humane” logo.  HFAC may deny certification if the producer fails to provide access to facilities, and records, presents false or misleading information, or demonstrates other evidence of noncompliance.

This rigorous review also applies to producers who have applied for annual renewal of their certification.  If a producer fails to follow the standards, their certification will be revoked and they will no longer be allowed to use the “Certified Humane” logo.  

If an applicant does not meet all of the standards, certification will be denied.  (This also applies to producers who have applied for annual renewal of their certification.)  Certification may also be denied for failure to provide HFAC access to the supplier’s facility and records, presentation of false or misleading information, or other evidence of noncompliance.  If a producer fails to follow the standards, their certification will be revoked