• Your replies should focus on the specific examination presented by your fellow student, and these should include an examination of whether or not the characteristics of the ethical theory and/or economic system were identified well, and whether or not their application and analysis was also carried out successfully. Providing such an examination is not an attack on your fellow student but an attempt to work together with your fellow student toward the better understanding of the ethical theories employed, as well as their application.

Out of the four options we were given to explore the Perdue Farms case study, I chose to look at the aspect of advertising. When speaking of Perdue Farms specifically, they operate under the mixed economic system. They are a privately owned business and are free to operate under a capitalist system but also must adhere to the regulations set in their industry. Speaking of those regulations in the factory farming industry, or as stated in the 'reflect' section above, "lack thereof." The fact is, is that there is no regulation of how the animals are treated. The USDA is in charge of regulating this industry. They do have certain regulations, including regulating food safety and slaughter of food production animals, ensuring the quality of the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products, while also ensuring the labels of these products are truthful and accurate. They, however, do not consider the well-being of farmed animals. (NHES, 2021).

As mentioned, I will be looking at the angle of Perdue Farms in terms of their advertising. The ethical theory in which I will be evaluating my claims will be from a deontology point of view. Businesses have an obligation to communicate honestly to their consumers about what is in their products. The article, The fowl practice of humane labeling: proposed amendments to federal standards governing chicken welfare and poultry labeling practices, goes over many things, including the lack of government regulation when dealing with poultry, and focuses primarily on Perdue Farms. Perdue Farms was claiming that their chickens were "humanely raised." Not only were they advertising this, but they had it stamped right on their products for their consumers to see. It wasn't until a former farmer for Perdue Farms, Craig Watts, exposed the truth behind that false advertising. As stated in the article, "Purdue preyed on consumers increasing sensitivity to animal cruelty and charge premium prices for so-called humanely raised chickens that were in reality subjected to extreme pain and harsh living conditions." (Smith, 2017). Using this claim that their chickens were humanely raised, and charging premium prices for that claim, is a direct way of using persons as ends in themselves. They were not treating their consumers with respect in regards to overcharging based on false advertising, which I deem morally wrong. They were in no position to claim that.

James

References:

https://www.nhes.org/3372-2/

Smith, L. (2017).The "Fowl" Practice of Humane Labeling: Proposed Amendments to Federal Standards Governing Chicken Welfare and Poultry Labeling Practices.Sustainable Development Law & Policy, 18(1), 17-55.