Seeing Step-Rated Meat in Our Stores
Look for this rating system when you choose our beef, chicken, pork or turkey. It’s your way of knowing how the animals were raised for the meat you are buying.
Animal centered, entire life on same farm
Animal centered, no physical alterations
Enhanced outdoor access
No cages, no crates, no crowding
Whole Foods Market requires at least a Step-1 rating for Step-rated species
Animal Welfare Rating System
Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating program outlines specific husbandry and management practices that promote farm-animal welfare. Step 1 is the first level in the program and a clear departure form conventional animal agricultural practices.
At Step 1 farmers and ranchers must focus intently on the welfare of their animals and meet approximately 100 species-specific standards.
Beyond Step 1, each successive Step requires more animal-centered practices. The progressive nature of the 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating program encourages producers to evolve their practices to attain higher Step ratings.
For more detailed information on each step and species-specific welfare information, download the detailed program requirements and glossary or visit the Global Animal Partnership website.