Tim Hortons applauds new Pig Code; Reaffirms commitment to animal welfare and group housing

OAKVILLE, ON, March 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) has released a new Pig Code and Tim Hortons applauds the work of the Pig Code Development Committee on completing its revisions, which we believe represents a significant advance forward in pig welfare.

"NFACC takes an engagement- and science-driven approach to improve farm animal care in Canada. In our view, we believe NFACC has made a considerable step forward for the welfare of pigs," said Scott Bonikowsky, vice-president, Corporate Affairs, Tim Hortons Inc.

The new Code outlines requirements for sow housing that includes groups and individual pens. Tim Hortons is taking this opportunity to reiterate our commitment made in May 2012 to eliminate current gestation stall practices for sows in our supply chain and for our suppliers to develop clear plans and timelines for phasing our those housing systems by 2022, by which time we plan to source pork exclusively from suppliers who have made a transition to alternative open or group housing.

Tim Hortons remains committed to supporting an industry-wide movement towards more humane animal housing, and supports the NFACC requirements for group and pen housing. However, Tim Hortons does not support the use of conventional stalls for a sow's full gestation term. The Company continues to work with the pork industry and researchers to improve traceability systems and verification for new standardized approaches for the industry to transition to sustainable group housing systems.

Tim Hortons Inc. Overview
Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of December 29, 2013, Tim Hortons had 4,485 systemwide restaurants, including 3,588 in Canada, 859 in the United States and 38 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

SOURCE Tim Hortons