The PHT certification will help Tyson focus on areas such as biosecurity, disease recognition, emergency planning and the safe and humane handling of birds before, during and after transport.
The PHT certification program was developed by Penn State University scientists, the USDA and industry specialists, and is managed by the US Poultry & Egg Association.
Tyson Foods’ senior director of animal welfare Karen Christiansen said ensuring the safety and welfare of the company’s people and animals was “paramount” for the business.
“By working with the US Poultry & Egg Association to achieve certification across our organisation, we are doubling down on our commitment to continuous improvement in animal welfare,” said Christiansen.
“We’re proud of this certification and continue to evolve best practices in every aspect of animal welfare.”
As well as its PHT certification, Tyson Foods has enhanced its animal welfare efforts in other areas, such as its Tyson Farmcheck program that involves on-farm audits, as well 60 full-time animal welfare specialists across the company’s beef, pork and poultry operations.
Meanwhile, US Poultry’s manager for food safety & production programs Rafael Rivera said Tyson Foods’ commitment to this process demonstrated a “pivotal moment” in the industry.
“Every training gives us a new opportunity to improve our practices and we look forward to continuing to drive progress in animal well-being,” said Rivera.
