[ad_1]
KFC is to become the first UK fast-food chain to adhere to the new European welfare standards for farmed chickens, in order to address growing concerns about inhumane conditions in intensive and large-scale production of chickens. meat.
The decision taken by the US channel – 18 months after the release of the master plan – will put pressure on McDonald's and Burger King rivals, as well as large supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's.
Supermarkets, restaurant chains and hotel groups have all been invited to join the "European Chicken Commitment", which represents the first time that a unique set of requirements is set on the whole continent by a broad coalition of European animal welfare groups, including the RSPCA.
KFC's UK and Irish operations have announced that they will work closely with suppliers and NGOs to raise the minimum level of welfare standards across the sector by 2026. This The decision will cover chicken purchases in the United Kingdom and Europe, which constitute the vast majority of its resources. but also buys a small amount of chicken from Thailand and Brazil.
The new requirements include stricter auditing processes, a reduction in stand density to give more space to birds in buildings and an investment for environmental "enrichment", including the provision of perches, pecking objects like straw and vegetables and natural light.
The new standard stipulates the promise to buy breeds to grow slower, which is arguably the greatest step taken to reduce some of the cruelest aspects of the business, which sees collapse Raised and fast-growing birds under their own weight.
In the United Kingdom, sales of red meat have declined in recent years, but chicken – considered a "healthy" meat – has seen sales increase.
The KFC Burger Imposter – a vegan-based slab made from Quorn and intended to replicate chicken – was sold last month in a limited number of outlets storing it.
Although KFC is the largest fast food chain in the UK – with around 60 million chickens a year in more than 900 outlets – its sales in the UK and Ireland represent only 4% of total UK sales. chicken in the UK, lion's share being preponderant. in supermarkets.
Paula MacKenzie, Managing Director of KFC UK & Ireland, said, "Our customers are committed to improving the lives of the chicken we buy. This is why we are adding our voice to the campaign and encouraging others to do the same – because to inspire real change and constructive action, we need the sector to evolve with us. "
The Humane League has lobbied for McDonald's, which uses large amounts of chicken in its nuggets and hamburgers, to adhere to this commitment as well. Vicky Bond, its managing director, said, "We welcome KFC's decision, but it highlights what's a McDonald's lagging behind. This will benefit the lives of millions of chickens each year throughout their supply chain. We are imploring the rest of this sector and other food companies to follow in their footsteps. "
A spokesman for McDonald's said it had set up its own program to improve the welfare and health of chickens in its supply chain, and had set up a council of experts to advise them on the subject.
Source link
