Eighteen major hospitality chains have come under fire for withdrawing from a flagship chicken welfare pledge, with accusations that they are backing away from a growing push for higher standards.
Brands including Burger King, Nando’s, The Big Table, The Restaurant Group and KFC have withdrawn from the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), a voluntary framework aimed at improving broiler welfare through slower growing breeds, lower stocking densities and improved living conditions.
The move was described as “deeply disappointing” at a time when higher welfare chicken is increasingly available and supported by consumers who are given more choice.
BCC-compliant chicken is already on the market, and supply is expected to increase further as retailers such as M&S expand their fresh BCC ranges.
Critics say the food service sector should capitalize on the advances, rather than distance themselves from them.
Both companies cited a shift to slower-growing varieties as the main reason for the exit, suggesting the transition would be difficult to implement across large supply chains.
Campaigners say the decision reflects concerns in some parts of the industry about sourcing sufficient quantities of high-welfare birds, as well as potential cost pressures and operational challenges associated with changing breed specifications.
The companies are also raising questions about whether the introduction of slower-growing varieties could impact food safety or environmental performance.
However, welfare groups insist that changing breeds is the key. They argue that rapid growth rates are associated with leg disorders, heart problems and other serious health problems, so without it birds would not be able to fully benefit from improvements such as reduced stocking densities and natural light.
A statement from Compassion in World Farming said: “Without breed change, birds will not be able to fully benefit from other welfare improvements.”
Claims that higher welfare varieties compromise food safety or environmental outcomes have been rejected as “unfounded”, with campaigners insisting wider socio-economic and environmental benefits should also be considered.
This debate highlights the growing tension between welfare-driven production standards and the realities of meeting demand in the UK food service market.
The UK Government has expressed support for a voluntary move away from fast-growing chicken breeds in its recent Animal Welfare Strategy.
In January, Norway went further, pledging to completely phase out the use of fast-growing broiler breeds.
Campaigners argue that the food service sector has already made progress against some other BCC standards and needs to continue to make progress as policy directions become more supported.
The timeline extension is being provided to help businesses manage implementation challenges in recognition of the operational pressures involved.
But Compassion in World Farming warns that if companies are serious about broiler welfare, they must continue to make progress.
“Failing to breed means failing the animals. It is not ethical to breed chickens in a way that causes them to suffer.”
Companies are being urged to “stand up and do the right thing for animal welfare and customers” amid concerns that abandoning breeding risks undermining other welfare benefits across the supply chain.
