Safeway officials announced that the grocery chain will set new policies to work with pork and poultry suppliers that prioritize animal welfare. The action is in response to discussions between Safeway and the Humane Society of the United States. The Pleasanton, Calif.-based retailer will increase the amount of pork it purchases from North American suppliers that are phasing out gestation-sow crates. The plan is to purchase an additional 5 percent of Safeway's pork from such suppliers in the program’s first year, 10 percent in year two and 15 percent in year three. On the poultry side, Safeway officials will give buying preference to North American processors that use controlled-atmosphere slaughter systems. For more, go to www.drovers.com.

- From Drovers Alert