HERNDON, Va. – Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), an international nonprofit certification provider, announced that chicken produced for BRF Brasil’s Sadia brand will be raised under the HFAC’s Certified Humane program. The move will impact more than 40 million birds.

Thirty-three BRF Brasil farms will participate in the program which requires producers to use HFAC’s animal care standards for the humane treatment of farm animals raised for food production. Additionally, participating farms are inspected regularly to ensure compliance with the Certified Humane program. HFAC requires that animals receive a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones and must be raised with shelter, resting areas and space sufficient to support natural behaviors.

BRF Brasil is one of the largest food companies in the world with 35 plants in Brazil, 16 plants overseas and 40 distribution centers. The company manufactures food products under the Sadia, Perdigão, Qualy, Perdix and Paty brands and currently exports to more than 120 countries. The company recently announced the rollout of a line of products targeting the Middle East market, with the creation of its Sadia Halal subsidiary.

“Having one of the largest food companies in the world commit to raising their animals Certified Humane shows that any producer of any size can commit to raising farm animals humanely,” Adele Douglass, executive director for HFAC, said in a news release. “BRF will set a high bar for other food producers and farmers to follow.”