The Cheesecake Factory

TCF has a policy on antibiotics use available on their website, which sits within their animal welfare pillar as part of their broader Sustainable Sourcing Policy.

TCF is working to source antibiotic-free poultry, pork, eggs and beef. Work is also underway to source antibiotic-free dairy. For seafood, the company is working towards reducing antibiotic usage per the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program guidelines.

In their July 2018 Animal Welfare update, TCF stated that their commitments apply to all their company-owned and operated restaurants, as well as to any future concepts or businesses acquired and operated by TCF. This therefore includes the company's growing international footprint resulting from three licensing agreements for the Middle East, Latin America and Asia.

In their July 2018 Animal Welfare update, TCF stated that they "are asking suppliers to provide a wholesome, holistic, and high-quality diet, free from hormones, growth promoters, and antibiotics. Additionally, we detail food and water withdrawal periods before loading, transport, and slaughter. While there are varying antibiotic standards, we ask that our suppliers adopt a no antibiotics ever program (NAE), whereby any animals receiving antibiotics will not enter our supply chain. It is important to note that we will never ask or support a producer withholding appropriate veterinary care from a sick or injured animal".

TCF is planning to accomplish their sustainable sourcing goals by 2025, which includes their supply chain transition to antibiotic-free across all relevant sourced species.

In their July 2018 Animal Welfare update, TCF reported that "at present approximately 3-5% of our pigs are no antibiotics ever (NAE) by volume". The company does not yet report for other species. However, it has stated that it will report for dairy cows, beef cattle, broiler chickens, and laying hens once the data collection period has been completed, which for most of the species was end of September 2018.

TCF's animal welfare supplier evaluation and compliance monitoring process currently involves annual supplier reporting and internal auditing. Antibiotics use is one of their animal welfare pillars and is included in their verification process. TCF has confirmed that the company is planning to ensure all guidelines and practices are verified by third-party auditors.

TCF shared their updated policy with FAIRR in their response to the investor letter. The company declined to meet with FAIRR. Their response is available here.