Butterball, one of the largest producers of turkey in the country. Is back in the public’s eye after rolling out several new product developments. That have drawn speculation for including controversial components. Alongside shop-worn criticism about their practices concerning animal treatment and environmental sustainability. These events have led to spirited discussions, notably with Thanksgiving approaching.
An Innovative Product: Cook-From-Frozen Turkey
To make it easier for consumers this holiday season, Butterball just launched its newest product: the Cook-From-Frozen Premium Whole Turkey. This eliminates the thawing step, which can be time-consuming and just plain difficult for many home cooks. The turkey is pre-brined to keep it moist during roasting. It is also neck-and-giblet-free, which speeds things up even more. You can find this product at various retailers, including Publix, Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods, certain Kroger and Kroger banner locations, and certain Walmart stores.
Revived Abuse Allegations Against Animals
While the launch is exciting and innovative. Butterball has been back in the hot seat about prior claims of animal cruelty. “Hurt” is how People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) describes. That behavior after the advocacy group recently released a video made in 2006. That purportedly shows workers at a Butterball plant in Ozark, Ark., that it said abused turkeys. The video featured workers who bludgeoned birds with steel cages and crushed their heads, among other abuses.
This video sparked public outrage and calls to boycott Butterball products. The footage is almost two decades old, a Butterball spokesperson said in response. Now a private company, it’s certified by American Humane for having its animals treated humanely. Butterball has a zero-tolerance policy for any mistreatment of animals and undergoes annual audits to make sure company practices meet the company’s high standards for animal care.
A History of Allegations
This is not the first time accusations have been made against Butterball. In 2011, the animal rights group Mercy for Animals released an undercover investigation revealing workers beating and stomping on turkeys, dragging them by their wings and necks, and leaving them to suffer from untreated injuries. These discoveries prompted authorities to raid one Butterball location in North Carolina, leading to the arrest or charging of multiple employees.
The public has a lot of power here (i.e., wherever people go, companies have to follow), and we have a lot to say with our wallets. Our wallets can dictate what is morally right and wrong better than our voices alone.
The video, which is from 2006, has raised renewed public concerns about animal welfare in the poultry industry. Much of the distress has played out on social media with some consumers calling for a boycott of Butterball products. Butterball has defended itself by reaffirming its dedication to animal welfare, its seeming major improvements over the last 20 years. The company also warns consumers that it is governed by strict guidelines for animal care and that it is regularly audited by independent third-party organizations to verify compliance.
