CARE Certified: Verified Animal Welfare & Sustainability
Discover what the CARE Certified program means to you: certification standards, onsite auditing process, and what the label means for producers and consumers.
What is CARE Certified?
CARE Certified is a rigorous third-party verification program that guarantees responsible practices in animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of workers on farms and ranches. Beef, pork, poultry and dairy are all covered within the CARE Certified family of Standards.
This certification assures consumers that the protein they purchase meets high standards of care and sustainability. By choosing CARE Certified products, consumers support sustainable practices and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
What Type of Operations & Food Can Become CARE Certified?
Beef, pork, poultry and dairy farms and ranches can earn CARE Certified status. They will undergo an onsite, independent audit and an account manager will review those findings and determine if final CARE Certified approval will be given. In order to stay approved, they will renew this certification on an annual basis, which will include an annual onsite audit.
Each adheres to specific standards that are backed by scientific guidelines that ensure animals are raised in environments that promote their health and well-being. This includes proper nutrition, stewards to the environment and humane handling practices. With CARE Certified meat and dairy, consumers can feel confident they are making responsible choices.
This also means that beef, pork, poultry and dairy food products can showcase the CARE Certified label to communicate to consumers that that product has followed strict guidelines related to animal welfare and sustainability so consumers can feel confident about their food purchases.
Why CARE Certification Matters
Animal welfare is crucial for ethical consumption and sustainable production. CARE Certified ensures that animals are treated humanely, which is not only a moral obligation but also enhances the quality of the products derived from these animals. By prioritizing animal welfare, farms and ranches can improve productivity, comply with regulations, and build trust with consumers who are increasingly concerned about the origins of their food.
How to Get CARE Certified
Becoming CARE Certified involves a detailed process that includes an on-site audit, adherence to established standards, and a commitment to ongoing improvement. Producers must demonstrate compliance with CARE Certified criteria, which focus on animal welfare, environmental impact, and worker safety.
Where to Find CARE Certified Product
CARE Certified products are available at various retailers and online platforms. Look for the CARE Certified label to ensure that the products you purchase meet the highest standards of animal welfare for beef, pork, poultry and dairy, as well as prioritizing environmental stewardship and people and community support.
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