Fort Smith, Arkansas – September 9, 2010 – O.K. Foods, Inc. will begin using a new and humane method of controlled-atmosphere stunning for poultry – Low Atmospheric Pressure System (LAPS).  O.K. Foods, Inc. is committed to the proper handling, health, and humane treatment of its chickens. As part of this commitment, O.K. Foods, Inc. has been working with TechnoCatch LLC and Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton, Ph.D., Mississippi State University, to create a new and more humane way to process our poultry.

The LAPS system works by reducing the oxygen level in poultry live haul cages. This reduction of oxygen causes hypoxia and a sense of euphoria similar to climbing to altitude in an airplane. LAPS is a superior alternative to conventional electrical stunning because birds are insensible before unloading, shackling and stunning, reducing bird stress levels and eliminating animal welfare concerns as birds are introduced to the plant. The research on LAPS is set to be published in the Journal of Applied Poultry Research this winter.

The American Humane Association has endorsed the new method of controlled-atmosphere stunning for poultry as humane and O.K. is scheduled to start processing using the technology this fall. Research on LAPS methodology was presented by lead researcher Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton, Ph.D. at American Humane Association’s farm animal welfare Scientific Advisory Committee meeting on July 15, 2010. Based on the scientific evidence that was presented to the committee, The American Humane Association has approved LAPS, and has now included it as one of the acceptable methods of harvesting poultry in their welfare standards.  

O.K. Foods, Inc. is dedicated to being an industry leader in animal welfare practices. The company maintains a strict program that meets and exceeds government regulations and industry guidelines. For more information about O.K. Foods, Inc. and its programs, please visit www.okfoods.com or call 1-800-635-9441.

Source:  O.K. Foods
Fort Smith, AR 72902