FRANKFORT, Ky. — Retail giant Walmart announced last month new positions on its animal welfare policy when it comes to the items the company sells.

A press release from Walmart noted the retailer "is committed to a sustainable supply chain and food system, which means offering customers choices and transparency into how their food is grown and raised, and helping to further the fair treatment of animals."

Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and senior vice president of Walmart sustainability, said, "We have listened to our customers, and are asking our suppliers to engage in improved reporting standards and transparency measures regarding the treatment of farm animals."

Kevin Gardner, senior director of Global Responsibility Communications with Walmart, said this is another step in continuously improving the sustainability of the company’s products – specifically the food sold in U.S. stores and clubs, from fresh and frozen meat, seafood, deli, dairy and egg suppliers.

"It’s important to us that we strive to identify the challenges that impact our supply chain and our customers, and be a part of the solution," he said. Gardner added the company has engaged its suppliers at every step along the way.

"We believe they share the same goal of providing safe, affordable and sustainable food to the millions of families we serve each day. They have been thoughtful, willing partners in this initiative and as we work toward meeting future goals, we feel strongly they will continue to work with us to meet our customers’ needs. Our position is not time-bound, and is not mandatory guidance to our suppliers."

He said Walmart’s new position is the first time it has formalized a comprehensive position on animal welfare as it relates to the food supply chain.

According to information from the company, as part of its animal welfare position statement, Walmart will not tolerate animal abuse, supports the globally recognized "Five Freedoms" of animal welfare and is committed to working with supply chain partners to implement practices consistent with the Five Freedoms.

These include: freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behavior and freedom from fear and distress. This framework was set forth by Great Britain’s Farm Animal Welfare Council and created in the late 1970s.

The retail giant’s new policy also includes the responsible use of antibiotics in farm animals.

Smithfield Foods voiced its support soon after the announcement was made – the company stated it’s already compliant with the newly announced policies on its company-owned farms and encourages the rest of the industry to develop programs consistent with these guidelines.

C. Larry Pope, Smithfield’s president and CEO, said, "We understand that potential antibiotic resistance is a public health concern, and that’s why we are leading the pork industry in ensuring the responsible use of antibiotics within our operations."

He added Smithfield has accepted its role as the world’s largest pork producer and have led the charge by addressing challenging issues facing the industry, while improving its sustainability program and processes to meet ever-changing needs and demands of consumers.

McLaughlin said Walmart customers want to know more about how their food is grown and raised and where it comes from, and as the nation’s largest grocer the company is committed to using its strengths to drive transparency and improvement across the supply chain.

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) was also quick in announcing its support. NPPC President Ron Prestage said it applauds Walmart’s commitment to sustainable and responsible farming, which America’s pork producers make every day.

"By using antibiotics responsibly and providing humane and compassionate care for their animals, pork producers ensure animal health and well-being and a safe, wholesome food supply," he asserted. "Walmart’s recognition of that proves that America’s farmers, not extreme animal activist groups, should be setting food policy."