Broiler Chicken Welfare Commitments: Tracking Industry Progress

How the Better Chicken Commitment is transforming broiler welfare standards and what progress has been made.

Key Facts

The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) requires slower-growing breeds, lower stocking densities, and enrichment
Over 300 companies globally have signed BCC commitments including major food service and retail brands
Slower-growing breeds show dramatically lower rates of leg disorders, cardiovascular problems, and mortality
Compliance timelines vary — most commitments target 2026-2030 as transition deadlines
Third-party auditing is essential to verify that commitments translate into actual farm-level change

Welfare Considerations

The Better Chicken Commitment represents the most significant coordinated broiler welfare improvement effort in the history of commercial chicken production. By requiring slower-growing breeds, reduced stocking densities, enrichment, natural light, and improved slaughter methods, the BCC addresses the systemic drivers of the worst broiler welfare problems. Over 300 company commitments represent substantial market pressure. However, commitments without verified implementation produce no welfare improvement. Independent auditing, supply chain transparency, and consumer pressure to hold companies to their commitments are all essential to translate pledges into actual welfare gains.

What You Can Do

Support companies with verified BCC compliance and apply pressure to those with commitments but no reported progress
Choose chicken from farms certified to BCC or equivalent standards where available
Reduce chicken consumption from conventional sources while supporting the transition to higher welfare production
Engage with corporate responsibility campaigns that track and report BCC commitment implementation