SALISBURY, Md. — Perdue Farms recently held its 10th annual Animal Care Summit, marking a decade of continuous improvement and transparency in animal welfare and sustainable food production, the company noted in its announcement. The event brought together industry experts, leading customers, animal welfare advocates, and community partners to explore the intersection of animal care, public health, and consumer trust.
“When we launched the first Animal Care Summit ten years ago, our goal was simple: to make meaningful progress by listening, learning, and partnering with others,” Jim Perdue, Perdue Farms chairman, said. “That same spirit of continuous improvement has guided every step of this journey — and it’s what will keep us working toward a more responsible and sustainable food system.”
A key focus was the presentation of peer-reviewed research supporting Perdue’s foundational “No Antibiotics Ever” (NAE) commitment, the company added. Dr. Alex Wong, a biologist at Carleton University, shared findings from his study, published in mSphere, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. His research examined the potential link between the use of ionophores — a class of antibiotics common in animal agriculture — and the development of antibiotic resistance in humans, underscoring the importance of responsible antibiotic stewardship across the food system.
“Since 2016, we’ve been committed to raising the chickens for our Perdue branded products without using antibiotics — none, of any kind,” Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, Perdue Farms chief science officer, said. “We made this commitment knowing it would require us to elevate our level of care and move away from stressful management practices. Dr. Wong’s work helps validate that our ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ approach — paired with improved care — is helping us raise healthier birds in a way that aligns with what consumers expect from Perdue.”
The summit additionally underscored Perdue’s industry-leading position in organic production, the company said, adding that it raises more USDA-certified organic chickens than any other company in America and has long advocated for stronger organic standards and enforcement.
Attendees also toured McDonald Family Farm near Perdue’s headquarters in Maryland, which transitioned from conventional to certified organic production, to see first-hand how Perdue’s Process Verified Program (PVP) ensures the highest levels of animal care, feed integrity, and environmental stewardship.
The two-day event also featured a conversation between Perdue’s chief animal care officer and several organic farmers, offering attendees an authentic look at the realities, challenges, and rewards of raising poultry to higher welfare and organic standards.
Additional sessions explored:
· Food safety, from farm to fork — highlighting how Perdue’s integrated approach ensures product integrity at every stage.
· Cutting through food claims — examining the growing consumer demand for transparency and clarity on packaging and advertising.
· Emerging consumer trends — providing insight into how emerging generations view animal welfare and the increasing expectations they place on companies, retailers, and advocates alike.
During the past decade, Perdue has introduced its own Animal Welfare Certification Program and implemented more than 100 initiatives to advance bird health, comfort, and behavioral expression, the company noted.
“This 10th Annual Animal Care Summit is more than a milestone — it’s a testament to how far we’ve come and how much more we can do,” Todd Tillemans, Perdue Farms chief commercial officer, said. “By bringing together diverse perspectives, we continue to lead the industry in advancing animal care standards.” For Perdue’s complete 2025 Animal Care Report, click here.
