Chipotle Mexican Grill is planning to stop selling pork at over a third of its restaurants across the US over violations of animal welfare.
This comes after Chipotle found that one of its suppliers is not meeting its animal-welfare standards, during a routine audit, reports Reuters.
According to Chipotle's requirements, pigs must be raised in outdoors or in deeply bedded barns, and cannot be fed on antibiotics.
Commenting on the suspension, Chipotle Mexican Grill Communications director Chris Arnold was quoted by Reuters as saying: "We could fill that shortfall with conventionally raised pork, but the animal welfare standards fall well short of our requirements, and (we) simply aren't willing to make that compromise."
Chipotle will not serve carnitas at some of these restaurants, rather than use conventionally raised pork, added Arnold.
However, the company is looking to procure additional pork from existing suppliers or by finding more suppliers in order to fill the shortfall.
Chipotle said that it could also resume its partnership with the suspended supplier, if they become compliant with its standards.
Image: Chipotle Mexican Grill to stop pork sales at restaurants. Photo: courtesy of rakratchada torsap
