Fairlife, a brand of milk known for its high-protein and lactose-free options, faced significant controversy in 2020 when an undercover investigation by the animal rights organization Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) accused a Fairlife supplier, a farm in Ohio, of abusing cows. The video footage from this investigation showed workers engaging in practices that were widely condemned as abusive, including:
- Beating cows with metal rods.
- Kicking and hitting the animals.
- Improper treatment of sick and injured cows.
The video led to public outrage and calls for boycotting Fairlife products. In response, Fairlife immediately terminated its relationship with the supplier and pledged to review and improve its animal welfare practices. The company also said that it had zero tolerance for animal cruelty and committed to taking steps to prevent future abuse.
Fairlife’s Response and Changes
Fairlife, owned by Coca-Cola, took several actions after the controversy:
- Severed Ties with the Farm: Fairlife cut ties with the farm involved in the abuse allegations.
- Third-Party Audits: The company committed to implementing third-party audits of its supplier farms to ensure that cows are treated humanely.
- Animal Welfare Policies: Fairlife updated its animal welfare policies and enhanced its oversight to ensure the proper treatment of cows throughout its supply chain.
Ongoing Concerns and Animal Welfare
While Fairlife made efforts to address the abuse allegations and improve its animal welfare standards, critics argue that the dairy industry as a whole often involves practices that can be harmful to cows, such as:
- Confinement: Many dairy cows are kept in small, confined spaces, which can limit their mobility and cause stress.
- Separation from Calves: Cows are often separated from their calves shortly after birth, which can cause emotional distress for both the mother and the calf.
- Milking Routines: Some animal rights groups criticize the intensive milking routines that cows undergo, which can affect their health and well-being.
Conclusion
The allegations of cow abuse at a Fairlife supplier farm were serious, and the company has since taken steps to address the situation, improve animal welfare standards, and ensure better oversight of its suppliers. However, as with any company in the animal agriculture industry, there are ongoing concerns about the treatment of animals. For consumers concerned about animal welfare, it’s important to research the practices of companies and consider supporting brands with strong ethical and transparent animal welfare practices.
