Butterball is Abusing their turkeys

Question

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is centered around turkey. Butterball is a staple company in the industry. It seems that the company is abusing its animals which is causing people to return their turkeys or choose a different brand. However it seems that PETA is behind this and they are know for using sensationalism in their advocacy for animal rights. Putting into perspective the publics interest on animal rights or/and  the cleanliness of the food they consume.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/11/26/peta-butterball-turkey-thanksgiving-video-abuse-recall/76587479007/

Answer 1

This is likely misinformation. Although some Butterball workers abused turkeys in the past--Butterball did not deny that the video showed Butterball workers--there is no evidence that Butterball has been committing this sort of abuse in recent years. Multiple other sources are reporting on the same issue, agreeing that the video is from almost 20 years ago (2006) and that Butterball has since committed to "'the ethical and responsible care of our flocks'" (Quote from USA Today, linked in the claim). PETA does tend to sensationalize, which is important to note when encountering news from them.

Answer 2

The claim is outdated and most likely exaggerated by PETA. According to USA Today, the video of workers abusing turkeys is from 2006, nearly 20 years ago, and Butterball has made a statement that the video "was taken prior to Butterball becoming a private company and prior to our engagement and certification through American Humane." American Humane is an organization that ensures the safety and well-being of animals in slaughterhouses. With high verified standards, American Humane inspects the slaughterhouses of companies it works with yearly to ensure humane conditions. So, the claim made by PETA is outdated and previous to Butterball's efforts to outwardly treat its turkey humanely. USA Today Article American Humane Info

Answer 3

This is a very outdated and skewed claim to propose. A video dating from 2006 had indeed recently gone viral of so-called Butterball employees kicking, beating, stomping, and making sexual gestures to birds. A statement from Butterball themselves said that the video was released before their American Humane Certification 11 years ago. The American Humane Certification is a standard guideline ensuring humane animal treatment. Not only is that video outdated, but it can also be seen as a propaganda act from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). USA Today claims that PETA was the one to resurface such an old video to cause commotion online. PETA was also seen claiming that the American Humane Certification is a "sham" that companies try to hide behind. The video is true, but the claim is outdated and was recently pushed back into media to stir things up.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/11/26/peta-butterball-turkey-thanksgiving-video-abuse-recall/76587479007/