Butterball has a turkey “talk line,” where confused callers can ask their cooking questions to a team of poultry experts.
Those manning the conversation line are trained to answer all kinds of questions, as long as they originate in the kitchen.
When it comes to usability, the proof is in the pudding: the hotline is the number two most called every Thanksgiving in the US. The only one leading the way? Of course, 911.
But the concept – which was first introduced in 1981 – is already being ridiculed online, thanks to a nearly two-decade-old video accusing Butterball employees of sexually abusing turkeys that has sent the Internet into an uproar.
Posted by PETA, Butterball employees are also seen torturing the beloved animals, sitting on them while they struggle and bragging about other baseless cases.
Among them is a claim from an anonymous person who speaks via footage that a worker stuck his finger into a turkey’s vagina.
The North Carolina company indelibly associated with Thanksgiving has since responded to the clip, revealing that it was from 2006 before Butterball went private. They said they have since taken steps to ensure the birds are treated humanely.
The company did not consider it necessary to respond to the unsubstantiated accusation of sexual abuse at least one X-user’s thoughts Wednesday.
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Butterball has a turkey “talk line,” where confused callers can ask their cooking questions to a team of poultry experts. Pictured: People manning the hotline in the Chicago suburb of Naperville
Seen here, still from a nearly two-decade-old video in which Butterball employees are accused of sexually abusing turkeys. The allegations of sexual abuse are unsubstantiated. The clip is from 2006 and was probably filmed at Butterball’s old location in Ozark, Arkansas
“I can’t imagine how out of control the butterball hotline is going to be this year,” the audience member said, sharing a GIF from when Stephen Colbert took over the hotline in 2016.
“Hi, butterball, I have my batch code number. I just want to make sure it’s not one of those damn turkeys,” they continued, sarcastically explaining how the conversation would go.
Others offered more serious insights about the hotline, which is run out of a small Chicago suburb.
One person was surprised: “Average 100,000 calls to the Butterball Turkey Hotline.
“Preparing for #Thanksgiving,” they concluded – and ended the post with a turkey emoji.
“A little bit of heartwarming content as you all prepare,” wrote a like-minded viewer. “Apparently the butterball hotline is the second most called number in the US during Thanksgiving.
‘(G)ussing number 1 is 911…’
“I’ve been writing about #thanksgiving for 25 damn years,” New York Times food correspondent Kim Severson added. “Thanks for reminding me of my day at the #Butterball turkey hotline.”
The company did not consider it necessary to respond to the unsubstantiated accusation of sexual abuse – which was on the minds of at least one X user on Tuesday. They re-shared a GIF from when Stephen Colbert took over the conversation line in 2016. The hotline has been around since the early 1980s
Others have also weighed in on the long-running hotline, including The New York Times food correspondent Kim Severson
While this was happening, many continued to talk about the disturbing clips allegedly recorded at the Butterball location in Ozark, Arkansas, as part of an undercover investigation.
Many are difficult to make out, but they clearly show Butterball employees physically abusing the animals before they meet their fate.
“It was bad enough that your company (Butterball) is based on selling dead turkeys… did they have to be SA (sexually abused) too?” Comedian Corinne Fisher responded to an unrelated post from Butterball last week, as many began boycotting the brand.
“May they face the suffering they have caused. Monsters are real, disguised in human form. Not all people are the same; some embody true evil,” another snapped.
“I threw away my butterball turkey and will never buy from you again,” someone else said.
The sexual abuse allegations – which have not been proven – stemmed from a report by an unnamed researcher from the activist organization. They were not mentioned.
A caption asked onlookers, “Do you know what happened to your Butterball turkey before they were killed?”
In explanation, a Butterball representative told DailyMail.com: “We are aware of a video from nearly two decades ago that is being reshared on social media.
In explanation, a Butterball representative told DailyMail.com: “We are aware of a video from nearly two decades ago that is being reshared on social media. This video is not current and in no way reflects our animal welfare policy
The sexual abuse allegations – which have not been proven – stemmed from a report by an unnamed researcher from the activist organization. They were not mentioned
The spokesperson added that Butterball has annual audits conducted by a third party to ensure its facilities meet “more than 200 science-based best practice standards for turkey care.” For those who have any questions, please call 1-800-BUTTERBALL
‘This video is not current and in no way reflects our animal welfare policy.
“Animal care and welfare are central to who we are as a company, and we are committed to the ethical and responsible care of our herds,” the report continued.
“That means maintaining the health and well-being of our turkeys is an ongoing effort.”
The spokesperson added that Butterball has annual audits conducted by a third party to ensure its facilities meet “more than 200 science-based best practice standards for turkey care.”
The statement concluded, “Butterball was the first and remains the only turkey company to be American Humane certified. We are proud to be serving 1 in 3 turkeys this Thanksgiving.”
For those who have additional questions, please call 1-800-BUTTERBALL – or 1-800-288-8372.