/ "Friogan Breaks New Ground: First Latin American Firm to Earn Global Animal Welfare Certification")
Friogan SA‘s Landmark GAWS Certification: A Leap Forward in Global Animal Welfare and Meat Quality
Table of Contents
Friogan SA, a colombian meat processing plant, has achieved Global Animal Wellness Standards (GAWS) certification from NSF International, a notable milestone demonstrating its commitment to animal welfare and product quality. the GAWS certification, aligned with ISO/TS 34700 and OIE principles, ensures compliance with stringent animal welfare standards throughout the meat processing chain. This achievement positions Friogan SA for growth in both domestic and international markets.
Friogan SA’s Journey to Certification
To obtain GAWS certification, Friogan SA implemented a complete animal welfare management system. This included the creation of an animal welfare committee composed of professionals and collaborators from various departments to ensure adherence to the certification protocol. The requirements encompassed establishing an animal welfare policy, infrastructure adjustments, hazard identification, emergency management, indicator measurement, and collaboration with animal transporters, among other crucial elements.
The certification substantially strengthens Friogan SA’s market position, both domestically and internationally. “This recognition opens new commercial opportunities, especially in international markets where consumers and regulations are more demanding. In addition, having this certification can facilitate access to markets that require specific animal welfare standards,”
noted Jenny Carolina Pontón Alvarado, Director of Safety and quality at Friogan SA.
Improvements in Animal Management
Friogan SA implemented several key improvements in animal management to meet GAWS standards. These included reinforcing the use of sound and visual stimuli to guide animals more calmly; training transporters thru talks and didactic materials on proper animal handling practices; implementing microduchas (small showers) to reduce animals’ caloric stress upon arrival; enriching the animals’ surroundings to minimize stress; improving pen equipment and flooring; reducing noise levels in processing rooms; and establishing animal welfare indicators and conducting regular internal audits.
Benefits of GAWS Certification for Friogan SA
The GAWS certification offers numerous benefits to Friogan SA. These include improved reputation, demonstrating a commitment to high animal welfare standards to clients and partners; access to new markets that require specific animal welfare certifications; a significant competitive advantage within the meat sector; and guaranteed compliance with national and international regulations.
“The GAWS certification reinforces the confidence of consumers and commercial partners in the quality and responsibility of the products processed in Friogan SA. Nationally,you can consolidate your position as leader in the meat industry while,internationally,open doors to more demanding and more value markets in the future as the United States and China,which value and,in certain specific cases,require high standards of animal welfare in their imports,”concluded Pontón Alvarado.
According to Pontón Alvarado, the GAWS standards are in line with those of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI). NAMI, in collaboration with ethologist expert Temple Grandin, has developed guidelines and tools to facilitate the adoption of these best practices within processing plants. “The NSF standard is aligned with ISO/TS 34700 and the OIE principles and guidelines. Its importance for the meat industry,in addition to linking the five domains (formerly five freedoms) in the processes,is that they improve the characteristics of the meat protein by incorporating practices that allow decrease animal stress before his sacrifice,”
Pontón Alvarado explained.
Headline: How Friogan SA’s GAWS Certification Sets a Global Benchmark in Animal Welfare and Meat Quality
Opening Statement: “Envision a world where the meat on your plate symbolizes not just nutrition but peace of mind—this dream edges closer to reality with Friogan SA’s groundbreaking GAWS certification. How will this influence the future of meat processing on a global scale?”
Senior editor of world-today-news.com: What exactly does the Global Animal Wellness Standards (GAWS) certification entail, and why is it such a significant milestone for Friogan SA?
Expert: The GAWS certification is a comprehensive framework aligned with ISO/TS 34700 and the OIE principles, ensuring adherence to the highest animal welfare standards throughout the meat processing chain. For Friogan SA, this certification represents more than compliance—it signifies a commitment to transforming industry benchmarks. By instituting an animal welfare management system, revising infrastructure, and improving animal handling processes, Friogan SA has met rigorous international standards. This certification is crucial not only for its domestic market but also for penetrating more discerning international markets where such standards are increasingly mandatory. Companies that achieve GAWS are positioning themselves as leaders in ethical and enduring practices, establishing a blueprint for future industry standards.
senior Editor: Can you shed light on the specific changes and practices Friogan SA implemented to meet GAWS standards, and how do these impact both livestock and end consumers?
Expert: Friogan SA embraced a holistic approach to animal welfare, focusing on reducing stress and enhancing the well-being of livestock.Key changes included the use of sound and visual stimuli to guide animals calmly, specialized training for transporters, and the introduction of microduchas to alleviate caloric stress upon arrival.Environmental enrichment and improved pen conditions further minimized stress. For consumers, these practices ensure that the meat they consume is not only of superior quality but also ethically sourced, thereby enhancing both product safety and market trust. Ultimately, by decreasing stress in animals, Friogan SA improves meat quality, aligning with consumer demands for humane and high-standard products.
Senior Editor: What are the broader benefits of GAWS certification for Friogan SA, and how does this align with global trends in the meat industry?
Expert: The GAWS certification provides Friogan SA with numerous strategic advantages. It enhances the company’s market reputation by signaling a strong commitment to animal welfare, thus meeting the expectations of modern consumers and regulations alike. Access to new markets, especially those with stringent import standards like the United States and China, becomes feasible, offering Friogan SA a distinct competitive edge. These benefits reflect broader global trends where clarity and accountability in animal handling are increasingly demanded by both regulators and consumers. As more companies prioritize sustainability, Friogan SA’s GAWS certification sets a precedent for embracing ethical practices within the industry.
Senior Editor: How does Friogan’s GAWS certification relate to the broader standards set by organizations like the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), and what does this mean for the future of meat processing?
Expert: Friogan’s GAWS certification aligns seamlessly with the standards developed by the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), particularly with guidance from ethologist Temple Grandin, emphasizing humane animal handling. This alignment indicates a harmonization of global animal welfare standards, which is pivotal for the future of meat processing.Integrating practices that prioritize animal welfare not only improves the intrinsic qualities of meat but also enhances compliance with international regulations. As this trend gains momentum, companies that adapt to these guidelines will be well-positioned to lead the market, thereby encouraging a more ethical and transparent industry.
conclusion: Friogan SA’s landmark achievement in securing GAWS certification is more than just a victory for the company—it is indeed a transformative step for the entire meat processing industry. By prioritizing animal welfare and quality, Friogan sets a benchmark that others are poised to follow, paving the way for a new era of ethical and sustainable meat production. How do you see these changes impacting your purchasing decisions or the way you view meat products? Share your thoughts and engage with the conversation in the comments below!
(Call to Action: Be sure to follow world-today-news.com for more insightful updates on industry innovations and ethical advancements in global markets!)