Though Jack in the Box Inc. does not raise or process animals, we require that all of our suppliers follow recognized guidelines and regulations to ensure that all animals used for our products are treated humanely. We believe the abuse or neglect of animals is unacceptable. Animal welfare is something we believe in, not only because it makes good business sense, but because it's simply the right thing to do. For a more complete overview of our approach to animal welfare, please click here to view our Animal Welfare Report.
Animal Welfare Practices:
We strive to ensure that animals used in Jack in the Box products are treated humanely. Consequently, we require that our suppliers' procedures meet or exceed government, industry and association standards, including the following:
- Animal welfare guidelines and protocol for pork and beef suppliers established by the National Pork Board and the American Meat Institute (AMI). The Institute's guidelines were developed by Temple Grandin, Ph.D., the preeminent authority on livestock welfare.
- Animal welfare guidelines and protocol for the poultry industry established by the National Turkey Federation (NTF), the United Egg Producers (UEP), and the National Chicken Council (NCC).
- Animal welfare guidelines and protocol for dairy cattle established by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF).
Our suppliers are responsible for the welfare of the animals used in the manufacture of Jack in the Box products. Because of this, we expect them to have active and effective animal-welfare management and training programs in place, and we clearly explain these expectations to them. The effectiveness of our suppliers' programs is assessed and verified through the use of trained, independent third-party auditors whose reports are reviewed by Jack in the Box.
Beef and Pork Suppliers:
Transportation and unloading- Animals should be transported in a manner that promotes good health and condition, including adequate protection from inclement weather and sufficient area for movement. Trailers should be cleaned regularly and have slip-resistant ramps.
- Animals should be allowed to rest following unloading, and the unloading area must be in good condition, free of broken gates, sharp edges or other impairments that could cause injury.
- Holding pens must be cleaned regularly, allow animals to move freely, and have slip-resistant floors.
- Holding pens must have unrestricted access to clean, potable water, as well as feed if held for more than 24 hours.
- Holding pens must provide animals adequate protection from inclement weather and extreme temperatures.
- Animals must be processed in a humane manner that adheres to the manufacturing standards established by the government, industry and trade associations mentioned above.
Poultry and Egg Suppliers:
Housing- Hatcheries and laying houses must provide adequate feed, water, ventilation, lighting, warmth and space for birds throughout the growing and/or laying process.
- Hatcheries must have systems that prevent injuries to the birds.
- The birds must be provided feed that promotes good health.
- Veterinary care must be provided.
- All birds must be transported and handled in a manner that promotes good health and condition, including sufficient space in transport cages for comfortable movement and protection from inclement weather.
- Cages must be properly maintained and secured to the trucks to prevent them from falling.
- Birds must be handled carefully to protect them from injury during loading.
- Cages must be handled carefully at all times to protect the birds. Subdued lighting must be used to keep birds calm.
- Holding areas must maintain a comfortable temperature and ensure adequate ventilation for the birds.
- Birds must be processed in a humane manner that adheres to the manufacturing standards established by the government, industry and trade associations mentioned above.
Dairy Suppliers:
Dairy cattle care- Proper animal husbandry practices must be followed to reduce or eliminate stress to the animals.
- Animals must have access to clean drinking water and a nutritionally balanced diet. Veterinary care must be provided.