McDonald’s Australia to serve only RSPCA approved chickens

Following its transition to cage-free eggs in 2017, the fastfood chain has teamed up with 3 major chicken suppliers – Ingham‘s, Turosi and Baiada – as part of its commitment to using only RSPCA-approved chicken in its quick-service restaurants. These suppliers have committed to participating in regular assessments to ensure their farms meet the RSPCA’s animal welfare standards.

McDonald’s Australiav’s director of supply chain and sustainability, Kylie Freeland: “One of the most meaningful ways we can improve the lives of farmed animals is to ensure they have access to an environment that meets their individual needs and encourages them to express their natural behaviours.” McDonald’s has been working with the Australian agriculture industry for nearly 50 years, and in 2019 alone, purchased over 15.7 million kg of locally-sourced chicken from Australia’s meat chicken farming industry.

Richard Mussell, CEO of RSPCA Australia: “We know that for good animal welfare, meat chickens must be reared in a way that prioritises their well-being and allows them to express normal behaviours, such as perching, dustbathing and foraging. The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme Standards allow birds to do these things and more.”