[4] In order to receive the American Humane Certified logo, farms must pass an assessment based on a list of over 200 standards.
[6] The American Humane Association uses independent firms to perform annual audits on certified farms in order to ensure they are complying with the guidelines.
[8] The American Humane Association standards specify that animals must be raised in an environment that limits stress, includes the provision of fresh water, a healthy diet, sufficient space, proper facilities, shelter, and a resting area.
[19] While Consumer Reports rates American Humane Certified as “Good,” it notes that there are several important drawbacks and limitations to this certification.
As a result, Farm Forward asserts that AHC is structurally disincentivized to improve animal welfare for the producers it certifies.
[22] In June 2015, Mercy for Animals released a video of an undercover investigation of American Humane Certified factory, operated by Foster Farms.
The footage included workers treating the chickens violently and inhumane slaughter methods; this resulted in Mercy for Animals calling the program "a scam".