DUBLIN, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company has expanded its Supplier Code of Conduct, which now includes all U.S. and Canadian contracts managed by Quality Supply Chain Cooperative, and suppliers that provide a significant stream of goods.
The code also includes new requirements for certain suppliers of whole, fresh produce.
“We expect all of our suppliers to comply with the law and use best practices in all aspects of their operations, and to conduct business in a way that is consistent with the values of Wendy’s and our franchisees,” said Todd Penegor, president and CEO.
The code focuses on food safety and food ingredients; farm animal health and well-being; human rights and labor practices; environmentally sustainable business practices; and business ethics and integrity.
Approximately 100 additional suppliers are now covered by the code.
Third party reviews
The code will also require third party reviews related to the human rights and labor practices of these suppliers. The decision to add third party reviews was due in part to the nature of agricultural work, its workforce, and an evaluation of various risk factors.
Antibiotics policy
Wendy’s has also made a commitment to remove antibiotics important to human medicine from its chicken supply by the end of 2017, while remaining committed to the necessary treatment of sick animals.
The company is expected to announce specific additional commitments related to antibiotics for pork and beef in 2017.
Sustainable beef
In December 2016, Wendy’s joined the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef to continue to serve as a thought leader with an active voice in discussions about the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the U.S. beef industry.
Cage-free commitment
In January 2016, Wendy’s announced plans to switch to a 100 percent cage-free housing environment for eggs by 2020 and is currently evaluating other evolving best practices for poultry housing.
Read more
Wendy’s Supplier Code of Conduct is accessible under the Responsibility tab in Supply Chain Practices section of its website.
