’We made a mistake’: Earls to continue using Canadian beef

May 04, 2016

Restaurant will continue to use Alberta beef

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

A Vancouver-based restaurant chain is reversing its decision not to source beef from Canadian producers.

“We made a mistake when we moved away from Canadian beef,” Mo Jessa, Earls’ President said in a press release and video. “We want to make this right. We want Canadian beef back on our menus so we are going to work with local ranchers to build our supply of Alberta beef that meets our criteria.”

Earls press release May 4
Earls press release from May 4, 2016

The company’s decision comes after on April 26 it said it would begin sourcing its beef from the United States in an effort to serve what it called “100% Certified Humane Beef, raised without the use of antibiotics or steroids and no added hormones.”

After the announcement, the restaurant chain faced backlash from farmers and social media sites.

Some farmers described the decision as a “slap in the face,” while people on social media used the hashtag #boycottearls to voice their displeasure.

Earls press release April 26
Earls press release from April 26, 2016

In its May 4 release, Earls said it stands by the decision to serve beef that’s never been treated with growth hormones or antibiotics, and that local producers want to help them provide that.

“We have had ranchers reach out to us to help supply us with product from Alberta,” the release reads.

Video: A chain harrow is a game changer

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