TheHumaneTouch.org Is the Newest Resource to Find Humanely Raised Food

DENVER, Aug. 26, 2008 – TheHumaneTouch.org website is American Humane Certified’s™ latest tool for consumers to learn more about the humane treatment of farm animals used to produce food. Launched on Aug. 14, the site is a resource for consumers, producers, retailers and the food service industry to learn more about animal welfare standards.

American Humane Certified is a voluntary, fee-based service available to agricultural producers of protein products. The program provides independent, third-party audited verification that the care and handling of animals of enrolled farms meet the strict animal welfare standards set forth by American Humane Certified. Producers who meet the standards may use the American Humane Certified label on their products.

The American Humane Certified farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food.

All producers certified by American Humane meet basic criteria that requires animals have clean and sufficient food and water; have a humane environment under conditions and care that limit stress; are able to express normal behaviors and live in an appropriate and comfortable environment that includes sufficient space, shelter, a resting area and company of their own kind; and have a healthy life, benefiting from prevention of disease and injury and rapid diagnosis and treatment.

A 2007 survey for American Humane Certified, conducted by the independent Public Opinion Strategies organization, found that 58 percent of consumers said they would spend an additional 10 percent or more for products (meat, poultry, eggs or dairy) labeled as "humanely raised." This same group of consumers ranked the humane label as most important, even over organic or natural labels.

Consistent with the program’s mission, the new website addresses the program’s goal to be good for animals, good for people and good for businesses that raise and sell food products. The site features information for consumers, grocers and producers, as well as providing a secure Certified producer’s section with auditing and management tools. Users can learn about American Humane Certified producers, their unique operations and their dedication to animal welfare. In addition, users can find where to purchase products certified by American Humane as well as upcoming trade and consumer events that will feature the program.

Visit www.TheHumaneTouch.org to find out more about American Humane Certified or go to www.americanhumane.org for more information on the American Humane Association.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, and has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.