Villari Brothers, a third-generation family influenced business started in 1925, has earned certification for the proper treatment of pigs from American Humane, the country's first national humane organization and the largest certifier of animal welfare in the world.
"By becoming an American Humane Certified processor, Villari Brothers helps assure their customers that the food on their plates was raised humanely under the science- and evidence-based protections established by American Humane," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "We applaud them for their extraordinary commitment to good animal welfare."
"Villari Brothers is proud to partner with American Humane and uphold our commitment to raising hogs in a responsible and ethically manner," said Joe Villari, president and CEO of Villari Brothers. "Humane treatment of animals is an industrywide commitment, and at Villari Brothers we strive for continual improvement and overall welfare of animals, at all stages of production. Excellent pork comes from excellent producers that raise pigs right! We are excited about our new American Humane Certified – Raised without Antibiotics products."
To qualify as an American Humane Certified processor, Villari Brothers' supplier had to meet the program's demanding standards, which include meeting some 200 science-based standards covering everything from adequate space to proper temperature, air quality and more. In addition, they voluntarily agreed to undergo rigorous, yearly inspections by specialized auditors to ensure the standards are being implemented.
The American Humane Certified program is the nation's first and largest farm animal welfare certification and audit program, developed by the organization to advance protections for farm animals and ensure they are raised and handled humanely. Independent, third-party audits cover the 200 species-specific criteria which are based off the internationally accepted Five Freedoms of animal welfare. These science-based standards are set and regularly reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee of the nation's top animal experts, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and animal advocates, including luminaries such as farm animal welfare pioneer Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Tom Parsons.
Like multiple other meat companies, Villari Brothers also holds themselves to the highest standards regarding sustainable farming and development from both their hog sources and production facilities. They recycle their cardboard and plastics, monitor energy usage and conserve and monitor water usage.
