This week, The Wendy’s Company released its 2016 update on significant corporate social responsibility initiatives, including plans for continued progress in 2017. In terms of food safety, Wendy’s says they have made significant strides in the following respects:
Implements a Supplier Code of Conduct
The Wendy’s Supplier Code of Conduct was rolled out in early 2016 to the nearly 300 suppliers that provide food, paper and packaging to the Wendy’s U.S. system, and includes suppliers based in the U.S. and internationally. Wendy’s achieved 100% acknowledgement of the Code by May 2016 and requires an annual reaffirmation. Looking ahead: the Company will continue to expand the Supplier Code of Conduct to incorporate evolving best practices in the U.S. and internationally related to environmental and social responsibility, and to include additional categories of suppliers such as professional service providers.
Strengthens Antibiotics Policy
Building on a multi-year effort to encourage the responsible use of antibiotics in its supply chain, Wendy’s made a commitment to remove antibiotics important to human health from its chicken supply by the end of 2017, while remaining committed to the necessary treatment of sick animals. To date, 50% of the Wendy’s U.S. chicken supply is raised without medically important antibiotics. Looking ahead: the Company will transition 100% of its chicken supply to be raised without medically important antibiotics, and will announce specific commitments for pork and beef in 2017.
