Rumors of a Butterball turkey recall have hit social media just before Thanksgiving. These come in the wake of an animal abuse video resurfacing describing and showing the inhumane treatment of turkeys in one of Butterball’s slaughterhouses. However, the company has responded by stating that the footage is from 2006 and that it doesn’t reflect its current animal welfare policies.
PETA video fuels rumors of Butterball turkey recall
The FDA hasn’t issued a Butterball turkey recall this year. Rumors of a recall stem from the resurfacing of a 2006 PETA video showing and describing animal abuse at the company’s Ozark, Arkansas, facility. Users have reacted in horror to the inhumane conditions and torture inflicted on the turkeys, and many have called for a boycott.
The video in question purportedly shows workers abusing turkeys and testimony from a PETA investigator describing events they witnessed. However, it doesn’t contain a disclaimer that the events depicted took place around 18 years ago, which has led many viewers to believe it’s recent footage.
According to the Daily Mail, in response to public outcry, Butterball stated:
“We are aware of a video from nearly 20 years ago, which is being re-shared across social media. This video is not current and in no way reflects our animal welfare policies.
Animal care and well-being is central to who we are as a company, and we are committed to the ethical and responsible care of our flocks. That means maintaining the health and well-being of our turkeys is an ongoing effort.”
However, the 2006 incident wasn’t a one-off issue. According to the LA Times, a Butterball plant in North Carolina was raided by law enforcement in 2011 after the animal activist group Mercy For Animals conducted an undercover investigation.
Despite the company’s checkered past, no evidence of current animal mistreatment at its farms has been presented. There’s also no indicator that a recall will be initiated for its products.
