A Database to Help You to Eat With Your Conscience
PETA's Eat Without Experiments databse lets you see if your favorite food company tests on animals
Most people want to eat more mindfully, and that looks different for everyone.
Some people choose a plant-based diet and lifestyle, some choose to be vegetarian, and others seek out proteins that have been humanely raised.
What most of us can agree on, however, is to lessen the suffering of all living beings, starting with needless animal testing.
In 1938, the United States Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act was signed into law, requiring some safety substantiation of cosmetic products, with companies starting to test their products on animals. Though many companies have phased out animal testing, there are some companies that continue the practice.
Researching companies that don’t test animals can be an arduous task even with Google and social media. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is making it easier for consumers to find out which companies treat animals with dignity with its Eat Without Experiments program. The site helps shoppers identify food and beverage companies that don’t test on animals. Companies are listed under several categories, including “No Animal Testing”, “No Animal Testing Unless Explicitly Required by Law”, “Working for Regulatory Change”, “Supports Animal Testing”, and “Declines to Sign Program Assurance”.
The database isn’t all-encompassing, but it’s a good tool for people who want to be more mindful and not support companies that test on animals. For instance, Ferrero International, Bacardi Limited, Amy’s Kitchen, Heineken, B&G Foods, E and J Gallo Wines, and Unilever have all signed PETA’s pledge not to test on animals, making them mindful choices when shopping for the week.
On the other hand, Mars, Suntory Holdings, the Kraft Heinz Company, and General Mills are some of the companies that do support animal testing.
Companies mostly volunteer their information for inclusion, but it’s a resource for people who want to know the behind-the-scenes of how their food gets to their homes, and allows consumers to use their buying power to support companies that align with their beliefs.
According to global market research, 42 percent of consumers walk away, and one in five never return to a company they don’t support. A survey of 30,000 consumers found that 74 percent want greater transparency regarding companies’ stances on issues such as animal testing.
Other helpful resources include Cruelty Cutter, Green Pearls, and Cruelty-Free Kitty for pet foods.