Actress Tiffani Thiessen Teams with WSPA to Educate Consumers on Choosing Humane Foods

BOSTON, April 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Actress Tiffani Thiessen, who stars on the television series "White Collar," has joined the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) to help spread the word about the organization's Eat Humane (EatHumane.org) campaign. Thiessen taped a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) for WSPA to educate the public about reading labels on meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products to see which ones signify that animals were raised humanely. The PSA will start running this month around the country; it can be seen starting today at www.EatHumane.org or www.wspa-usa.org.  

Thiessen said, "I am pleased to be a part of the Eat Humane campaign for the WSPA. The organization's key philosophy about food is something I believe in personally. Eating doesn't have to be black and white – eat meat or be a vegetarian. The more important thing is that you should make educated choices when buying your food, which can be confusing and misleading with the food labeling system. It is hard to know what you are really purchasing and that is why I filmed this PSA – I wanted to help WSPA inform people about what the labels really mean." 

She further explained, "If you choose foods labeled 'American Humane Certified,' 'Animal Welfare Approved' or 'Certified Humane,' you know that the food you are eating did not involve animal abuse or come from factory farms known to be bad for the environment. By buying meat and dairy products with those labels, people can make a difference for animals and the planet."

Cecily West, Executive Director of WSPA, U.S., added, "We are thrilled to have Tiffani on board as a voice for this critical campaign. We respect and appreciate her willingness to support our message of choosing humane foods."

Understanding food labels and making humane choices can have a substantial impact not only on animal welfare but also the environment. The "Certified Humane," "American Humane Certified" or "Animal Welfare Approved" labels mean that the animals did not come from a factory farm, which uses intensive 'production line' methods to maximize the amount of meat produced, while minimizing costs. This system keeps animals together in unnaturally large numbers, creating a large amount of waste that creates an environmental problem. In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that livestock production accounts for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions – that is more than all global transport, combined. Therefore, by making minor changes and choosing humane foods, you can help prevent animal cruelty and save our planet.

Tiffani Thiessen currently stars as Elizabeth Burke on USA Network's original series "White Collar."  She is also known for her roles on the series "Beverly Hills 90210," "Good Morning Miami," "Fast Lane" and "Saved By the Bell." Her feature film credits include "Son In Law," "Ladies Man" and "Hollywood Ending." She is passionate about protecting all animals and has two dogs and two cats of her own.  

Others stars who have recently supported WSPA campaigns include Leona Lewis, Brooke Shields, Kristin Davis, Christina Applegate, Joanna Krupa and Kellan Lutz.

Through its alliance of more than 1,000 animal welfare groups, with at least one member in virtually every country of the world, WSPA is able to work where there is the greatest need to stop animal suffering and cruelty. For more information on food labels, humane eating and WSPA visit www.EatHumane.org or www.WSPA-USA.org.  

SOURCE World Society for the Protection of Animals