In order to bring beneficial products to consumers; to maintain our commitment to safety, health and the environment; and to comply with regulatory requirements; DuPont conducts laboratory animal testing and livestock feeding trials.  Our use of animals, in both product development and chemical safety assessment, consistently reflects our concern for the welfare and ethical treatment of these animals.

DuPont shares society's desire to increase the use of scientifically validated alternative methods which reduce, refine or replace the use of animal models in research.  We are strong proponents of "intelligent" testing strategies, which minimize the use of animal testing by using a tiered approach to data collection. 

DuPont supports these commitments through the following actions:

• We maintain - and continue to enhance - capabilities for tiered data development to complement, reduce or replace animal testing.  This includes capabilities for extensive literature searching, computer modeling, and in vitro assays (typically conducted with cultured cells, cell fractions or bacteria).
• We conduct research only at laboratories that possess appropriate facilities and trained, competent staff capable of humane animal care techniques.  Our livestock research center adheres to animal use and care guidelines created by the Federation of Animal Science Societies.  Our toxicology laboratories have been fully accredited since 1979 by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International.
• We ensure that all studies involving animals comply with all applicable laws, regulations and licensing requirements. 
• We require that all studies be scientifically and ethically justified, and that every study be designed to avoid or minimize pain, discomfort and stress.  We also use enrichment measures wherever practical, such as providing opportunity for animals to interact and move around.
• We work toward the development, validation and adoption of alternatives to animal testing through our participation in industry associations, as well as through work conducted in our own laboratories.
• We actively participate in industrial consortia to minimize or eliminate duplicative testing.
• We are confident that scientific advances in animal research and toxicology will enable us to further significantly reduce our reliance on animal testing, while continuing to ensure product safety for humans and the environment.

06/01/06