DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Hillshire Brands Co. announced the company is working with its suppliers and industry to find alternatives to gestation housing. The company intends to implement a plan by the end of 2022.

The company said it would source all pork from suppliers “who use housing that provides the animals the opportunity for adequate movement and comfort, while also ensuring their safety.” Hillshire Brands is aiming for a solution that provides animal care and worker safety solutions that are adaptable to farms of all sizes.

“Hillshire Brands takes concerns about the welfare of animals seriously, which is why we have a comprehensive Animal Well-Being Program in place,” said Mike Cummins, director of corporate communications, Hillshire Brands. “We know we share a responsibility to ensure the meat we sell is safe and that it comes from animals raised in a humane way.”

Hillshire Brands said its meat suppliers must complete appropriate audits and certifications before they can work with the company. These requirements are in addition to the supplier’s routine animal well-being inspections performed by the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.