In what is believes to be a first among Canadian retailers, Sobeys Quebec has launched its own brand of humanely certified fresh chicken products as part of its new Compliments Naturally Simple private label. The line includes four ‘Certified Humane’ cuts, including breasts, drumsticks, thighs and flattened chicken.
The new natural Compliments line was launched earlier this summer. Products under this umbrella, which come from animals raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones, are made without the use of artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours or hydrogenated oils.
In addition to those criteria, the Certified Humane certificate ensures that both producers and processors of meat products respect strict standards in terms of breeding, handling, transport, and the slaughter of livestock.
“We feel these new products meet the growing demands of our customers,” says Marie- Noëlle Cano, a spokesperson for Sobeys, “and we’re proud to be the first Canadian retailer to offer them.”
Other Certified Humane brand partners include DuBreton Pork, Aspen Ridge Natural Beef, Blue Goose Poultry and Sunrise Farms, where animals are fed a 100% vegetable grain diet and are raised in low-stress environments.
