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KFC commits to chicken welfare standards in UK by 2026

July 16, 2019

KFC has become the first fast food chain in the U.K. to say it will comply with an animal welfare standard known as the European Chicken Commitment, which was created about 18 months ago to address some of the problematic conditions for livestock raised for meat production in Europe, according to a story in the Guardian. 

The Commitment marks the first time countries across Europe and animal welfare groups have agreed on a single set of rules around the humane farming of chickens who historically have suffered some of the worst abuses including over-breeding of rapidly growing breeds who are unable to move because of their weight and limited space. The new requirements call for the use of slower-growing birds, more space and enrichment devices like perches, sunlight and pecking objects.

KFC's agreement to comply with the standard by 2026 is expected to pressure other rival QSRs to do the same in Europe, along with groceries where most Europeans actually acquire the chicken they eat. KFC will need to review and even possibly alter the sourcing of its chicken in the European market where the Guardian said the chain buys most of its supplies. 
Animal welfare concerns and more healthful sourcing of so-called "center-of-the-plate" proteins has been particularly intense in the U.K. where KFC is the largest QSR chicken chain with more than 900 stores, according to the Guardian.

When contacted regarding any new plans for chicken sourcing in the U.S., a KFC global spokesperson released this statement:

"KFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, is committed to the well-being and humane treatment of chickens. We are proud of our responsible, industry-leading animal welfare guidelines and have a long-standing commitment to improving farm animal welfare through our multi-stakeholder Animal Welfare Advisory Council and our global animal welfare policy. The KFC and Yum! Brands global animal welfare policy covers the full production process and focuses on four key areas of animal health and welfare: reduced mortality rates, improved animal health, animal mobility and reduction of stress. While some markets are better positioned to move more quickly on these areas than others, our goal is continuous improvement on animal care standards globally."