Broiler Chicken Welfare Commitments: Corporate Progress and Gaps

Many food companies have made public commitments to improve broiler chicken welfare. Tracking progress against these commitments reveals successes and persistent gaps.

Key Facts

The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) requires higher-welfare breeds, reduced stocking density, and enrichment
Hundreds of food companies globally have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Progress toward commitments is uneven — many companies have missed target dates
The European Chicken Commitment sets similar standards across EU supply chains
Third-party auditing of welfare commitments is essential for accountability

Welfare Considerations

Corporate welfare commitments for broiler chickens represent a major potential improvement for one of the most numerous farmed animal populations. Broiler chickens bred for fast growth experience chronic pain from leg weakness, cardiovascular problems, and difficulty moving, while conventional housing provides inadequate enrichment and space. The Better Chicken Commitment and European Chicken Commitment set science-based standards that address breed welfare, stocking density, lighting, and enrichment. However, commitment does not equal delivery — consumer and NGO pressure to track and enforce company promises is essential to translate pledges into actual welfare improvements on farms.

What You Can Do

Check which food companies have signed and are meeting the Better Chicken Commitment
Support companies leading on chicken welfare and challenge laggards
Choose chicken products from farms meeting higher welfare standards
Contact food companies to ask about their progress on welfare commitments