Dairy Industries Jamaica ends funding for animal testing following PETA campaign

The move comes after sustained pressure from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which exposed the institute’s inhumane practices. Dairy Industries Jamaica now joins Wisconsin-based Old Fashioned Cheese and Ohio-based Great Lakes Cheese in redirecting their financial support away from animal testing. 

The decision marks a significant victory for PETA, which has long campaigned against the use of animals in scientific research. While the organization, which advocates for veganism, has stopped short of fully endorsing the companies until they transition to dairy-free products, it has applauded their commitment to ending financial support for animal experiments. 

PETA’s campaign highlighted the disturbing nature of the experiments conducted at the Food Research Institute. Among the most shocking revelations was the force-feeding of mice parasite-infested feces and the injection of botulinum bacteria into mice, leading to their deaths. Additionally, pregnant monkeys were fed whipping cream contaminated with listeria, a harmful bacteria, before being cut open and their unborn babies dissected. 

These experiments, which PETA described as "pointless" and "cruel," were funded in part by corporate sponsorships. After being presented with this information, Dairy Industries Jamaica, Old Fashioned Cheese, and Great Lakes Cheese all requested that their contributions no longer be used for animal testing. 

In response to the growing opposition, the Food Research Institute has introduced a new funding mechanism — the Food Research Institute Programmatic (Non-animal) Support Fund. This fund allows sponsors to ensure their donations are used exclusively for research that does not involve animals. The move reflects a broader shift in the scientific community toward more ethical and effective research methods, such as cell-based studies and computer modeling. 

“Thanks to the swift action of these three companies, the Food Research Institute has fewer dollars to squander on cruel tests on animals that help no one,” said PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA calls on General Mills and Kraft Heinz to follow their lead by demanding that their institute funding never be used to torment monkeys, mice, or any other animals.” 

While PETA has celebrated this development as a step in the right direction, the organization emphasizes that the ultimate goal is a complete transition to animal-free research and plant-based products. Dairy Industries Jamaica and the other companies involved have yet to commit to eliminating dairy from their operations, a move PETA argues is necessary to fully align with ethical and sustainable practices. 

The decision by Dairy Industries Jamaica and its counterparts reflects a growing awareness among corporations of the ethical and reputational implications of animal testing. As consumers increasingly demand transparency and compassion from the brands they support, more companies may be compelled to follow suit. 

For now, the end of funding for animal experiments at the Food Research Institute represents a significant victory for animal rights advocates and a hopeful sign of progress toward a more humane future. 

Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited is a key player in the Jamaican dairy sector, known for producing a variety of milk-based products, including the popular Tastee cheese. They are the only manufacturer in Jamaica and the Caribbean that produces processed canned cheese and yogurt.