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Several major restaurant operators in the UK, including KFC, have withdrawn from the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), a pledge aimed at improving the welfare of chickens by avoiding the use of fast-growing breeds. As poultry consumption rises, these companies have opted instead to join an industry-led initiative that does not require commitments on chicken growth rates.
The eight restaurant groups, which also include the owners of Burger King and Nando’s, decided to leave the BCC in favor of the Sustainable Chicken Forum (SCF). This new forum focuses on balancing animal welfare improvements with environmental concerns and the need to meet increasing demand for chicken. UKHospitality, representing the brands involved, emphasized that the new approach aims to reduce emissions and maintain stable supply chains while addressing welfare.
Animal welfare advocates have expressed strong criticism of this move. Groups like Anima International argue that fast-growing chickens, often referred to as “franken-chickens,” suffer from serious health issues, including higher rates of premature death and muscle diseases. Connor Jackson, Anima International’s UK chief executive, dismissed the companies’ rationale for leaving the BCC, stating, “Franken-chickens pose the most serious animal welfare problem in the UK.” The BBC notes that KFC alone accounts for about 4% of the UK’s chicken consumption, and currently, the availability of slower-growing breeds remains insufficient to meet demand.
Supporters of the decision, including Richard Griffiths of the British Poultry Council, welcomed the change, highlighting the challenges faced by the poultry industry such as rising production costs and delays in planning approvals. He argued that eliminating additional burdens would help the industry navigate these difficulties. Meanwhile, some retailers and cafe chains like M&S, Waitrose, Pret, and Greggs continue to support and adhere to the BCC standards
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