I may be opening a restaurant soon, and I was wondering, does anybody here know of suppliers who sell products that are "ethical and humane"? I'd like to start thing on the right foot, and buying from companies that care about the welfare of their animals is an extremely important moral to me. Just to be clear, this will be a hamburger joint. Thanks. Much appreciated!

-Harry

Suppliers - such as Sysco and the rest - no.  Products such as a burger from a specific company - yes.  You are going to have to do some research to see what kind of products are out there, and then announce to your supplier (Sysco and the like) that this is what you want.

I would also contact your State department of Agriculture.  Most states are running farm to table programs and they could hook you up with a local person.

Food Write
The Responsible Serving of Alcoholic Beverages

I echo what Beth said and add:  Look locally for sources.  You stand a better chance to get what you want from a small or local operation.

Ciao,

Go to the local farmers market. Get to know some of your local farmers. Relationships are important when dealing with this kind of botique, (for lack of a better word), business.

Niman Ranch, www.nimanranch.com/, has nationl distribution.

Snake River Farms (http://www.snakeriverfarms.com/) does also.

Sysco, in this area does carry some "natural" products but I havn't done any research on their credibility.

Kitchen Heatº
stories and observations
on the everyday glamor of a chef's life

Also - try a search in our iFoodShow.  We added 2000+ natural/gourmet companies recently, and you might find what you're looking for.

Hi Harry,

At our place we use a lot of organic and fair trade items, and we get most of those food items through UNFI - United Natural Foods.  Be aware that their primary client is grocery stores, and their bulk foodservice offering is limited.

I must note that it is my personal opinion is that "ethical and humane treatment of animals" and "meat slaughter" are mutually exclusive concepts. But, as a colleague, I would advise you to look for a Kosher meat supplier - it is my understanding that humane slaughter by hand by a specially trained butcher is part of the Kosher dietary laws, although I'm not sure if humane treatment during the animals life is required as well.  Maybe someone else here on the boards can speak to that?  Or, perhaps a local synagogue would have some resources for you on sourcing humane meats locally?

However, short of a visit to the farm and the slaughterhouse floor, I'm not sure how you will be able to confirm that the methods meet your approval, and are as "humane" as they are advertised to be.  I don't believe the FDA regulates humane slaughter, but maybe there is a watchdog group that does?

Good luck!