After a video of Koch Food's Chattanooga plant showing inhumane treatment of farm chickens went viral, an animal protection group, Mercy for Animals called for changes in animal welfare standards to prevent maltreatment of animals.
The video shared by Mercy for Animals, an animal protection group pushing against animal cruelty, shows torture "disgusting treatment of chickens," shackling the birds upside down and scalding them alive before slicing open their wings, throats, chests while still conscious. Flailing chickens who are still moving has their heads removed on the spot.
Mercy for Animals directed the video to Chick-Fil-A, a fast-food chain that primarily serves fried chicken across the country.
The group reportedly took the video using a hidden camera inside the Koch Chattanooga plant and another plant in Mississippi, adding that workers are also throwing chickens in small crates and hiding cockroaches from safety inspectors.
Meanwhile, Koch said that the video was "inaccurate and out-of-context depictions" of its Chattanooga plant.
"The company will not stand for a violation of the important processes and standards that we have in place. Koch Foods will remain vigilant to ensure it continues to operate in a humane, clean and safe manner," said company Chief Executive Joe Grendys in a statement.
Koch even denied the allegations that they are trying to hide flaws from federal inspectors, as according to them, 16 U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors work on each production shift to ensure safe and quality product meet standards.
"Koch Foods also is regularly audited on its animal welfare practices by an independent auditor," the company said, adding that an audit two months ago found no violations of animal welfare practices in the live or processing operations in Chattanooga.
The restaurant under fire, Chick-Fil-A said that it hasn't gotten chicken from Koch Foods since April last year, even adding that it doesn't support mistreatment of animals with its supply processes.
The chicken industry is big business in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia, fueling an estimated economic impact of $5 billion annually, according to the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association. Annual wages are put at $750 million, a 2012 study shows.
