World’s largest-fast food groups slammed for chicken welfare

9 of the world’s largest fast-food companies have been slammed by an animal rights organisation for the welfare standards in their chicken supply chains.

World Animal Protection said in a report analysing the global standards of firms such as McDonalds, KFC and Starbucks that none had “an effectively implemented strategic commitment to animal welfare”.

Global minimum standards needed

While the report concedes there are regional exceptions where standards are higher – such as natural light provision on farms in the UK – it says this does not go far enough, suggesting global minimum standards needed to be set.

9 companies graded as poor

The 9 businesses were all graded as “poor” in the report, though Starbucks, Burger King and Subway had “demonstrated interest and ambition in addressing the main problems faced by factory farmed chickens”.

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The charity is calling for slower-growing breeds to be used, and natural light provision, as well as providing birds with “necessary space”.

Chickens deserve a chance to live a happier life

Jonty Whittleton, global campaign head at the charity, said the companies held the power to drive change. “Chickens are at the very heart of their businesses and deserve the chance to live a happier, healthier life. That’s not too much to ask.”