Broiler Chicken Welfare Progress: What Higher Welfare Commitments Mean in Practice

The Better Chicken Commitment and similar standards represent the most significant industry-level welfare improvement for broiler chickens in decades, but implementation progress has been slow.

Key Facts

The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) includes slower-growing breeds, lower stocking densities, and improved environments
Slower-growing breeds used in BCC compliance show reduced rates of leg disorders, heart problems, and mortality
Over 200 major food companies have signed BCC commitments but implementation varies widely
Compliance deadlines have been missed by many signatories, with progress tracking hampered by limited transparency
Current conventional broiler production involves breeds selected for such rapid growth that welfare is inherently compromised

Welfare Considerations

The Better Chicken Commitment represents a meaningful welfare improvement if implemented, but the gap between commitments and action remains a significant welfare concern. Companies that signed BCC pledges years ago have often failed to meet implementation timelines, with millions of chickens continuing to be raised under conventional intensive conditions in the meantime. Advocacy organizations including Humane Society, HSUS, and Compassion in World Farming publish annual compliance scorecards that hold companies accountable. Consumer pressure through purchasing decisions and direct company engagement accelerates compliance.

What You Can Do

Check BCC compliance scorecards when choosing brands and favor those with strong progress records
Contact food companies you purchase from and ask about their BCC implementation progress
Choose chicken products from farms certified under BCC standards where available
Support organizations monitoring and reporting on corporate chicken welfare commitments