Broiler Chicken Welfare: The Better Chicken Commitment

What the Better Chicken Commitment requires, how it improves on standard commercial broiler production, and the status of its adoption by major food companies.

Key Facts

The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) is a set of broiler welfare standards requiring slower-growing genetics, higher space allowance, and enrichment by 2026
BCC requires breeds meeting maximum growth rates, minimum 6 hours dark period, at least 50 lux lighting, and minimum 2 forms of enrichment
Over 300 major food companies including Nestl, Unilever, and Compass Group have signed the BCC in Europe and North America
Slower-growing breeds required by BCC have significantly lower rates of breast myopathy, leg problems, and mortality than standard commercial breeds
BCC-compliant production costs approximately 10-30% more per kilogram than standard commercial chicken production
Progress reports on BCC commitments show significant gaps between signing and implementation for many companies approaching the 2026 deadline

Welfare Considerations

The Better Chicken Commitment represents the most significant systemic welfare improvement initiative in commercial poultry in decades. By requiring slower-growing genetics as a core standard, the BCC addresses the root cause of broiler welfare problems rather than managing symptoms. The welfare gains from switching to BCC-compliant breeds are substantial — dramatically lower rates of breast myopathy, improved locomotion, fewer deaths, and better ability to express natural behaviors. The implementation gap — between companies that have signed BCC commitments and those that have actually achieved compliance — is a significant welfare concern. Consumer and investor pressure on food companies to demonstrate actual compliance, not just commitment, is essential to translating the BCC from aspiration to welfare reality.

What You Can Do

Look for BCC-compliant chicken products when available and ask retailers about their supplier compliance with signed BCC commitments
Check Chicken Watch and similar advocacy organization progress reports to see which companies are on track and which are falling behind
Contact food companies that have signed BCC commitments but are behind on implementation to express consumer expectations for delivery
Support advocacy organizations monitoring BCC compliance and holding companies accountable to their commitments
Reduce chicken consumption overall and prioritize BCC-compliant products when you do purchase chicken