Broiler Chicken Welfare Reforms: The Better Chicken Commitment in Practice

The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) represents the most comprehensive voluntary welfare commitment in broiler production, specifying breed, stocking density, enrichment, and slaughter standards.

Key Facts

The Better Chicken Commitment requires slower-growing breeds (max 25g/day growth rate), lower stocking density (30kg/m2), enrichment, lighting standards, and controlled atmosphere stunning
Over 200 major food companies globally have signed BCC commitments, though implementation timelines extend to 2026-2030
Slower-growing breeds have significantly lower rates of leg problems, heart disease, and dermatitis than fast-growing birds
Compliance rates among companies with BCC commitments have been variable, with some behind on targets
The commitment was developed by a coalition of animal welfare organisations including Compassion in World Farming
Consumer awareness of the BCC is low despite its significance in driving industry-wide welfare improvement
Similar commitments exist in Europe (European Chicken Commitment) with equivalent standards

Welfare Considerations

The Better Chicken Commitment represents a significant advance in broiler welfare policy because it addresses the root cause — genetics — alongside environmental and management standards. By requiring slower-growing breeds, the BCC directly tackles the physiological conflict between growth rate and health that is the fundamental driver of broiler welfare problems. The corporate commitments that have been made represent potential welfare improvements for billions of chickens if fully implemented. The challenge is implementation: behind-schedule signatories, compliance gaps, and the need for independent verification undermine the commitment's impact. Consumer awareness and pressure is the most effective accountability mechanism — companies that have made public commitments respond to customer scrutiny of whether they are being honoured.

What You Can Do

Check whether your preferred food brands have signed the Better Chicken Commitment at betterchickencommitment.com
Contact signatory companies behind on their BCC timelines to express your concern
Choose chicken from companies leading on BCC implementation and slower-growing breed adoption
Reduce chicken consumption and concentrate remaining purchases on highest-welfare certified sources
Support Compassion in World Farming and other organisations monitoring BCC compliance
Share information about the Better Chicken Commitment with people making chicken purchasing decisions