DENVER – American Humane Certified producers, partners and scientific advisors gathered at the American Humane Association in Englewood, Colo., last week for the first technology meeting to provide feedback on the online reporting and video monitoring portions of its new auditing process.

American Humane Certified, the nation’s original humane food label, is conducting the first round of beta-testing of its new three-tiered auditing system, which includes annual on site auditing, online reporting and 24/7 live video monitoring. American Humane Certified developed the multi level system to monitor animal welfare, in real-time in order to take immediate action, when necessary, to correct welfare issues. The system also provides producers with tools for continuous improvement of their operations and ways to manage risk.

“It’s encouraging to see American Humane Certified’s goal to provide the highest standards of animal welfare has increased thoroughness and transparency even more  through the technical enhancements of its auditing process,” said Bob Pike, president of GCB Foods, LTD, an American Humane Certified producer.

American Humane Certified’s auditing process, introduced in September 2008, is known as “True Humane Tracking.” The proprietary auditing process not only reassures retailers of producer’s compliance of welfare standards more frequently than annual on site audits alone, but also provides continuous educational opportunities.

The online reporting component, developed by CDC Software, ensures transparency, accountability, consistency and dependability in humane animal welfare practices and allows producers to observe their production data on an ongoing basis. The online reporting system will be expanded to incorporate training for producers and their cooperatives.

The video monitoring system, developed for American Humane by HS3 Technologies, Inc., allows the producer and American Humane Certified to monitor animal welfare remotely through real-time video.

“As one of the original American Humane Certified producers, it is exciting to see the advancement in technology that gives our customers even more reassurance of our humane treatment of animals,” said Marcia McGlochlin, quality assurance manager for Clover Stornetta Farms.

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 exclusive 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. The American Humane Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. (www.thehumanetouch.org) 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 http://www.americanhumane.org to learn more.