KFC top fast food chain for chickens’ welfare

KFC is leading UK fast food chains in the welfare of chickens raised for their meat, while Subway, Starbucks, Domino’s and Mcdonald’s fall far behind, according to an annual ranking by charity World Animal Protection.

The league table ranks fast food restaurants globally and locally on their commitment, ambition and transparency around the welfare of chickens in their supply chain.

In the UK, KFC was the only brand to achieve “leading” status with an overall score of 92%, followed by Nando’s on 78% to reach a level of “good”.

Burger King and Pizza Hut were both assessed as “making progress” with scores of 70% and 67% respectively.

Starbucks and Subway ranked at the bottom of the table with 0% and a “very poor” assessment.

WAP said KFC’S work with the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) – a set of standards for birds’ welfare – and its reporting on its performance against its own standards set it apart from other retailers.

The charity said most chicken meat served up by the major fast food chains still came from birds living in cramped environments with no sunlight, with many suffering from lameness and skin lesions.

WAP global campaign head Jonty Whittleton said: “Covid-19 has taught us that the welfare of animals and human health is interlinked.

“KFC once again has shown leadership in the UK and Europe since they signed up to the Better Chicken Commitment in 2019, which will improve the lives of millions of chickens. But it is disappointing that others are refusing to change for the better.”