Ahold calls on pork suppliers to stop using gestation crates for pregnant sows by 2022

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA is encouraging pork suppliers to start using open housing for pregnant sows by 2022, the supermarket retailer said Friday.

The company, which owns the Stop & Shop, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle chains, as well as the Peapod online grocery service, said it wanted suppliers to transition from gestation crates to open housing, with the option of using gestation crates during appropriate times to keep sows and piglets healthy and safe.

"Animal welfare is a fundamental part of our responsible retailing practices, and we intend to work with the most reputable suppliers to source safe and affordable pork produced with respect for the animal," Ahold USA VP responsible retailing Jihad Rizkallah said. "Our goal is to work with suppliers who are moving towards a less restrictive environment."