Denver (June 16, 2009)

Students at Viking Cooking School, a division of Viking Range Corporation, the originator of commercial-type appliances for the home, are not only learning new ways to prepare their food, they’re also learning how the food is raised, as part of a new partnership with American Humane® Certified, a program of the American Humane Association.

American Humane’s farm animal welfare program is dedicated to improving the welfare of the animals raised for the food that we eat. Meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products bearing the American Humane Certified seal were raised using strict science-based standards created to ensure that animals live a healthy life, with no growth hormones. These standards lessen or eliminate stress for the animals, making humanely raised food good for people, good for animals and good for the planet.

There are currently 15 Viking Cooking School locations nationwide, with more locations slated to open in the coming year. Classes will incorporate humanely raised food from American Humane Certified producers whenever possible.

Viking Cooking School chef instructors will integrate information on humanely raised products and the benefits to consumers into their classes. As would-be bakers learn how to separate eggs, for example, they’ll also hear that the egg in their hands comes from a cage-free chicken that has not received growth hormones.

“Our program has rapidly added producers, all of whom will get more exposure for their products and their humane practices through this partnership,” said Tim Amlaw, American Humane Certified’s program director. “Students at all levels of culinary experience attend classes at Viking Cooking Schools, and these are the very people most likely to be interested in preparing food produced safely from healthy animals that are well cared for.”

“Providing a humane table gives people food that is not only good to eat but feels good. It’s good for the soul as well as good for the palate,” Amlaw added.

In the last two years, the American Humane Certified program has grown to include more than 60 million farm animals. American Humane certifies more than two-thirds of the cage-free eggs sold in the United States. The program certified its first producer of humanely raised veal last year.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, and has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity. For a list of American Humane Certified producers, visit www.thehumanetouch.org.

About Viking Cooking School

Developed by parent company Viking Range Corporation, Viking Cooking School offers culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to fuel their passion for cooking and to experience the full Viking product line in action. In 2008, over 77,000 students took advantage of the opportunity to “test drive” Viking appliances in the company’s cooking classes, making it the country’s largest provider of cooking classes for the recreational cook. Viking remains committed to providing its customers with the inspiration, tools, and knowledge needed to achieve a unique epicurean experience. For more information on Viking Cooking School please visit www.vikingcookingschool.com.To request Viking Range product information, please contact Viking Range Corporation toll-free at 888.845.4641, or visit www.vikingrange.com.

VIKING is a registered trademark of Viking Range Corporation.

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