American farmers are very angry
responsibly raised meat. Last week, the chain delivered exciting news for carnitas lovers: The return of their beloved burrito filling thanks to a supplier in the U.K. But that announcement has also brought on major backlash. And American farmers are very angry.
In an article on Pork Network, and an open letter from Minnesota Pork Producer Council president Lori Stevermer, farmers call out the Tex-Mex brand for looking across the pond for pork. "What do you have against U.S. pig farmers?" Stevermer asks, before pointing out Chipotle's seemingly hypocritical values.
Carnitas were originally removed from Chipotle's menu to stick to the brand's "food with integrity" tag line. At that time, a company spokesperson told CNNMoney, "It has always been our preference to get our pork (and other meats) from domestic suppliers, but right now the supply simply isn't available."
Chipotle's communications director Chris Arnold later told Reuters that while the chain could fill that shortfall in supply with conventionally raised pork, the animal welfare standards would fall well below Chipotle's requirements. "And we simply aren't willing to make that compromise," he said.
PR