Recent footage from East Midland farms supplying Co-op has revealed distressing conditions for chickens, sparking public concern and calls for action.
- Hidden cameras captured images of chickens in severe distress, with instances of deformities, agony, and death observed in the facilities.
- The animal protection group Open Cages documented the use of fast-growing chicken breeds, known as ‘Frankenchickens,’ suffering from numerous health issues.
- In light of these findings, demonstrators have urged the Co-op to adopt the Better Chicken Commitment, which aims to improve the welfare of chickens.
- Despite significant member support for welfare improvements, Co-op has opted against discontinuing the sale of Frankenchickens to maintain cost efficiency.
Footage captured by hidden cameras inside chicken farms supplying Co-op has unveiled dire animal welfare issues, igniting widespread concern. The recordings show chickens enduring severe conditions, collapsing, suffering from deformities, and in some cases, dying. This has led to intense scrutiny of farm practices supplying the popular retailer.
The animal protection charity, Open Cages, conducted an investigation from August to November of the previous year at three farms in the East Midlands. They observed the breeding of so-called ‘Frankenchickens,’ chickens that are genetically modified to grow at an unnaturally rapid pace. This accelerated growth often leads to severe health complications such as heart attacks, organ failures, lameness, bone deformities, muscle diseases, and burns, significantly compromising the chickens’ well-being.
In response to these revelations, demonstrators have rallied for Co-op to embrace the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). The BCC is a welfare policy crafted by experts aimed at enhancing the quality of life for chickens by switching to slower-growing and healthier breeds, providing the animals with more space, natural light, and environmental enrichments. Despite the proposal receiving overwhelming backing from Co-op members, the board decided to retain the sale of Frankenchickens, prioritising competitive pricing. However, the board committed to reducing chicken stocking density by 20% to align partially with BCC standards.
A spokesperson from Co-op emphasised their commitment to animal welfare stating, ‘Ensuring the animals in our supply chain are looked after is a priority for us, and all our fresh chicken meets or exceeds Red Tractor or RSPCA Assured standards.’ The retailer has pledged to bolster British farming whilst ensuring quality meat and poultry.
The unfolding events highlight the tension between maintaining consumer-friendly pricing and advancing animal welfare standards in the food supply chain.
This situation underscores the ongoing debate between cost efficiency and ethical animal farming practices in the retail sector.
