KFC, Nando's, and others ditch chicken welfare pledge

Source: Hacker News

Background

Allen Simpson, CEO of UKHospitality, which represents several restaurant brands, said that despite withdrawing from the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), the businesses remain “committed to enhancing their ongoing work across welfare and the environment.”

The eight businesses, which own or franchise 18 leading restaurant chains, have instead joined the industry‑led Sustainable Chicken Forum (SCF).

Companies withdrawing

• KFC – In 2024 the chain rescinded its commitment to phase out buying fast‑growing chicken and, on Thursday, withdrew from the BCC entirely.
• Other brands – The withdrawal includes Popeyes, Wingstop, Wagamama and several other outlets that together purchase about 4 % of the UK chicken supply (owned by Yum Brands).

The SCF argues that the BCC “is not the right framework to drive the next phase of progress on welfare” because it requires sourcing only slower‑growing breeds, which they claim generate more greenhouse‑gas emissions than faster‑growing breeds.

UKHospitality says the SCF will focus on “increasing welfare while limiting the environmental impact of chicken farming and keeping up with demand.”

Reactions

Animal‑welfare groups

• Anima International – Described the move as “about money and nothing else.”

• Connor Jackson, UK chief executive, Anima International:

  “Franken‑chickens pose the most serious animal welfare problem in the UK.”
  He added that producers will not raise slower‑growing, higher‑welfare chickens without contracts because they are more expensive.

• Claire Williams, campaigns manager, The Humane League UK:

  “Major food companies, with the combined worth of many billions of pounds, have decided that their profit margins cannot be threatened.”
  “The Better Chicken Commitment was designed by scientists to help animals – the Sustainable Chicken Forum is a welfare‑washing, PR‑stunt designed to deflect criticism, and let these companies claim they are doing enough.”

Industry perspective

• Richard Griffiths, head of the British Poultry Council (representing poultry breeders and processors):

  The news is “most welcome.”
  He noted that, given higher production costs and slow planning approvals, the industry does not need added costs.

Industry context

Although there has been a surge in the number of takeaway chicken shops in the UK in recent years, British supermarkets remain the major purchasers of poultry. Retailers such as M&S, Waitrose, and café chains Pret and Greggs continue to be members of the BCC.