Since 1991, the AMI Foundation has encouraged its members to subscribe to voluntary animal welfare guidelines and to embrace auditing programs and they have done so. The meat industry was the first sector in animal agriculture to develop such guidelines and to begin self-audit programs.

Data collected by Colorado State Universitys Dr. Temple Grandin for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and major restaurant chains show that animal handling in the meat industry has improved dramatically. The data can be viewed at http://www.grandin.com/

The AMI Foundation released its updated 2010 Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide in April 2010. This replaces the 2007 edition.

Click here to download the latest version: Download Full Guidelines and Audit Guide Download Transportation Audit Forms Only Download Slaughter Audit Forms Only

Many companies also retain third party expert auditors. American Meat Institute members who perform third party animal welfare audits include:

• Food Safety Net Services Ltd.
• NSF - Cook & Thurber
• Process Management Consulting
• Silliker

The AMI Foundation supports the efforts of the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization, Inc. (PAACO) to train and certify animal welfare auditors. More information about PAACO training and certification may be found at:

• Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization, Inc. (PAACO)

To download a customer-friendly brochure about AMIs audit program, click here.