SALISBURY, Md. – Perdue Farms’ Coleman Natural Foods brand has announced third-party verification for 100 percent crate-free gestation and farrowing on all of its pork production. It is the first retail brand with USDA approval and third-party verification to fully implement the new crate-free standards. Coleman Natural has earned American Humane Certification that provides further assurance of third-party audits and greater transparency of pork production.

“Part of the Coleman Natural promise is doing things the right way, which isn’t always the easy way,” Bart Vittori, vice president and general manager of Coleman Natural, said in a company statement. “We believe everyone should have access to quality, crate-free, no-antibiotics-ever pork that comes from pigs raised to a higher standard. From Wall Street to Main Street, Coleman Natural products are made for consumers who demand better, premium proteins for their families.”

All phases of production are covered by the American Humane Certification from farm to transport to harvest. Coleman’s family farmers raise their animals without antibiotics and in “the way nature intended,” Vittori said.

“I applaud Coleman Natural for eliminating all crate confinement for their sows and encourage others in the pork industry to follow this lead,” said Josh Balk, vice president of farm animal protection at the Humane Society of the United States. “Consumers now, more than ever, are voicing their support for better treatment of farm animals.”

“We don’t believe farm animals should be fed animal by-products or raised in an environment that requires antibiotics to keep them healthy,” Vittori added.