KFC is the UK’s leading fast food chain in the welfare of chickens raised for meat, while Subway, Starbucks, Domino’s and McDonald’s are far behind, according to an annual ranking by the World Animal Protection (WAP) charity. .
The ranking ranks fast food restaurants globally and locally based on their commitment, ambition and transparency regarding the welfare of chickens in their supply chain.
In the UK, KFC was the only brand to achieve “leader” status with an overall score of 92%, followed by Nando’s with 78% reaching a “good” level.
Burger King and Pizza Hut were both rated as “in progress” with scores of 70% and 67% respectively.
Starbucks and Subway rank at the bottom of the table with 0% and a “very poor” rating.
WAP said KFC’s work with the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) – a set of standards for bird welfare – and its reporting on its performance against its own standards sets it apart from other retailers.
Nando’s, Burger King and Pizza Hut also scored points for their BCC membership in the UK, unlike Starbucks, Subway, Domino’s or McDonald’s.
The charity said most of the chicken meat served by major fast food chains still comes from birds living in cramped, sterile environments without sunlight, many of which suffer from lameness and skin damage.
Intensive breeding methods also often rely on the use of routine antibiotics as a “quick fix” to keep stressed and sick animals alive, he said.
(Image: Mike Egerton / PA)
WAP Global Campaign Leader Jonty Whittleton said: “Many big name restaurants deny billions of birds the chance to see sunlight, grow at a healthy pace, or behave naturally.
“Covid-19 has taught us that animal welfare and human health are linked – there should be no status quo. Business motives lead to cruelty and suffering, and it must stop.
“KFC has once again shown leadership in the UK and Europe since joining the Better Chicken Commitment in 2019, which will improve the lives of millions of chickens. But it’s disappointing that companies like Starbucks, Subway, McDonald’s, and Domino’s refuse to improve.
“As more and more people take an active interest in the ethics of their food, more and more companies are ready to act. Now is the time for real change to happen, and companies that fail to meet market demands are not only causing misery for millions of animals, but also putting their reputations in jeopardy.
“World Animal Protection calls on these global companies to lead and ensure that all the chickens served in their restaurants are guaranteed a life worth living. “
Peter Trundley, Supply Chain Director at Domino’s Pizza Group, said: “We support the objectives of the BCC and many of the processes we currently have in place meet and in some cases exceed BCC requirements as well as chicken welfare regulations in the UK and Europe.
“We are delighted to see that the report recognizes that our efforts to provide environmental enrichment comply with BCC standards. Additionally, all of our broilers are 100% cage-free, and we require all suppliers to demonstrate that they are continually striving to enrich the living environment for birds, including providing them with pecking items. , perches and natural light.
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