A decision by Earls restaurants to start getting their beef from a U-S supplier has provoked a backlash in Alberta.
The company says there wasn’t enough Certified Humane beef from Alberta, which is now the standard it requires. The Certified Humane program is operated out of Virginia, and claims products with the label were raised without the use of antibiotics, steroids or added hormones, among other requirements.
Grande Prairie – Mackenzie MP and Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture and Agri-Food Chris Warkentin has been vocal with his displeasure. He argues “Canadian farmers and ranchers produce the best quality and the safest food in the world” and calls it a “shame” the Vancouver-based company won’t serve it.
Alberta Beef Producers says the Canadian beef industry was not consulted, and that the chain’s move incorrectly implies Alberta beef is not raised humanely. It maintains the Canadian beef industry has “robust” animal protection regulations, a recently revised Code of Practice and a long history of producers committed to caring for their animals.