Introduction
Just days before Thanksgiving, Butterball is facing significant backlash after a disturbing, decades-old video resurfaced online showing employees allegedly abusing turkeys at one of its plants. This has sparked rumors of a recall and calls for a boycott of the popular poultry brand.
Background
The footage, recorded in 2006 during an undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), shows workers at the company’s Ozark, Arkansas, facility engaging in violent and sexually abusive acts toward live turkeys. The video quickly went viral after being posted by PETA activists over the weekend, igniting calls for a boycott of Butterball products.
Allegations and Public Reaction
The graphic footage includes workers allegedly bashing turkeys against steel cages, stomping on their heads, and committing sexually abusive acts. In the video, a PETA investigator claims to have witnessed one worker inserting his finger into a turkey’s vagina, while another employee appears to simulate a sexual act on a shackled bird. This resurfacing of the video triggered an outpouring of anger across social media, with many expressing their disgust and calling for a boycott of Butterball products1.
Butterball’s Response
In response to the growing controversy, a Butterball spokesperson issued a statement clarifying that the video in question does not reflect the company’s current practices. “This video is not current and in no way reflects our animal welfare policies,” the spokesperson stated. “Animal care and well-being is central to who we are as a company, and we are committed to the ethical and responsible care of our flocks”. The spokesperson also emphasized that Butterball undergoes annual third-party audits to ensure compliance with more than 200 science-based standards for the care of turkeys1.
PETA’s Stance
PETA argues that the 2006 footage is part of a larger issue within the poultry industry. “PETA has conducted even more recent investigations that show that abuse is still rampant,” said Lisa Canavan, PETA’s senior vice president. She pointed to a 2021 investigation into Plainville Farms, where workers were filmed engaging in similar acts of cruelty1.
Conclusion of Butterball Turkey Recall:
Despite Butterball’s reassurances, the controversy has not subsided, and the company has not addressed the growing calls for a boycott or the rumors of a potential recall. The resurfacing of the 2006 video has reignited concerns about animal welfare practices within the poultry industry, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and reform
