KFC Abandons Commitment to Sourcing Higher-Welfare Chickens in the UK: Why It Matters

KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK. This news shocked many people who care about animals. 

In 2019, KFC promised to use better chickens by 2026. Now, they say they can’t do it. Why? Not enough farmers have the right chickens. 

This raises big questions about factory farming and ethical food sourcing. If you love animals or want honest brands, read on. We’ll explain what happened and what you can do.

KFC got praise for joining the Better Chicken Commitment. But their 2024 report shows that only 1% of their chickens are better breeds. Groups like the Humane League UK are angry. Let’s look at the facts in simple words.

What Is the Better Chicken Commitment?

The Better Chicken Commitment is a plan to treat chickens better. It has rules for companies to follow by 2026. Here’s what it says:

• Use slower-growing chickens. They’re healthier.
• Give chickens more space. No more than 30kg per square meter.
• Add perches and hay so chickens act naturally.
• Check farms to make sure rules are followed.

Big brands like Marks & Spencer and Nando’s signed up. KFC did too, for stores in the UK and other places. They wanted to improve chicken welfare standards.

But KFC isn’t doing well. Their report says they’ve barely started. Ruth Edge, who helps run KFC in the UK, spoke at a meeting. She said farmers aren’t ready to switch chickens yet.

Why Did KFC Promise Better Chickens?

People were mad about how chickens are treated. The UK kills over 1 billion chickens a year for food. Most are Frankenchickens. These grow super fast but get sick a lot. They have:

• Weak legs, so they limp.
• Bad hearts, so many die.
• Muscle problems that hurt.

Animal welfare organizations pushed KFC to change. KFC wanted to look good. They joined the Better Chicken Commitment to win trust. It matched what people want: ethical food sourcing. But better chickens cost more. They take longer to grow and need more food.

KFC said it needs the whole chicken industry to change. They only use 3% of UK chickens. Without enough supply, they can’t switch.

KFC’s Big Change: Dropping the Pledge

In November 2024, news hit: KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK. The Guardian¹ shared this first. KFC said it won’t meet 2026 goals for better chickens. They’ll still try to give chickens more space.

Rudi Van Schoor, a KFC boss, said: “We like the Better Chicken Commitment. But UK farmers aren’t ready.”

This made people mad. Animal rights groups like Open Cages said KFC could find better chickens. Connor Jackson from Open Cages said, “We know farmers who can help KFC.”

The RSPCA said KFC must try harder. Fast-growing chickens suffer too much.

How People Reacted

People spoke out online. A Reddit ²post got lots of likes. Users talked about KFC UK’s animal welfare. One said, “Fast food is bad now. It costs too much for junk.”

Some want cheaper food. Others care about animals. Many called for a boycott.

The Humane League UK plans protests. Katie Ferneyhough said, “We won’t stop until KFC makes a new plan.”

Social media buzzed with KFC welfare campaign talk. People used #Frankenchickens to share their thoughts.

What Are Frankenchickens?

Frankenchickens are chickens bred to grow fast. They’re ready to eat in 35 days. Normal chickens take 80 days. This hurts them:

1. Many die young (4% or more).
2. Their legs break because they’re heavy.
3. Their meat gets tough from stress.

Most UK chickens (95%) are like this. Welfare-friendly chicken breeds would help. They live longer and feel better.

Why KFC Says It Can’t Switch

KFC says there aren’t enough better chickens. Farmers like fast ones because they make money quicker. Switching costs more.

But some say KFC didn’t try hard. Their report shows just 1% better chickens. Is this welfare-washing? That’s when companies pretend to care but don’t act.

A Green Queen³ story showed KFC’s tricks. KFC made a film with happy chickens. But activists found dirty farms, dead birds, and crowded sheds.

Matthew Glover from VFC said, “KFC’s film lies about the farms.”

This makes people question the KFC chicken supply chain UK. Are their checks real?

What This Means for You

If you care about ethical sourcing UK, this is big. You might buy KFC thinking it’s kind to animals. Now, you might not trust them.

Consumer trust in brands gets shaky when promises break. Most UK people love animals but don’t know how chickens live.

You can:

• Pick brands that follow the Better Chicken Commitment.
• Eat less chicken or try plant-based food.
• Buy from high-welfare meat-sourcing places.

KFC’s Past with Animal Welfare

KFC had problems before. In 2003, animal groups showed the cruel farms. KFC made some changes, like no cages.

In 2019, they joined the Better Chicken Commitment. It was a big deal. But they’re not doing much in Europe.

KFC’s sustainability promise includes more space for chickens. They say they’re working on it.

How KFC Compares to Other Fast Food

Other chains are doing better:

• Nando’s: Checks farms for the Better Chicken Commitment.
• Burger King: Plans to use slower chickens.
• Subway: Uses outside checks.

KFC lags in fast food chicken welfare UK.

For more on brand promises, see how companies build trust.

Animal Welfare Groups Fight Back

Humane League UK leads the charge. They plan protests and talk to companies.

Open Cages shows what farms are really like. The RSPCA sets rules for better chickens.

These groups made the Better Chicken Commitment happen. Now, they watch KFC closely.

UK Rules on Chicken Welfare

UK laws say chickens need basic care. But fast-growing chickens are still okay.

The EU wants better rules. The UK could lead after Brexit.

Poultry industry ethics are a hot topic in government.

Why Better Chickens Cost More

Slower chickens cost 20-30% more. They need more time and food.

KFC worries prices will go up. But people might pay for ethical food sourcing.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) helps brands look good over time.

Learn more about business choices in this leadership story.

What KFC Says They’ll Do

KFC still likes the Better Chicken Commitment. They haven’t set a new date.

They’re working on giving chickens more space and better checks.

KFC’s welfare standards for 2025 aren’t clear yet.

Other Choices for You

Try these for better chickens:

1. Look for RSPCA Assured labels.
2. Buy free-range or organic chicken.
3. Try plant-based brands like VFC.

Fast-food chains with better chicken welfare UK: Leon, Pret.

How to Pick Better Chicken

Here’s how to shop smart:

• Check labels for “slow-growing” or “high welfare.”
• Use apps like FarmCheck to learn about farms.
• Ask stores where their chicken comes from.

Factory Farming

Factory farming keeps billions of chickens in tiny spaces. Chickens suffer the most.

You can help by buying better food.

What Experts Say

Vets say fast chickens are wrong. They get sick too much.

Activists call it a crisis.

What People Say Online

Reddit users are split. Some want cheap food. Others are mad about animals.

One user said, “Cook your own chicken. It’s better.”

Reddit reactions to KFC Frankenchicken news show people care.

Is KFC Hiding the Truth?

The Green Queen story says KFC’s ads aren’t true.

KFC animal cruelty allegations are growing.

Should You Boycott KFC?

Boycotting can push KFC to change. But it might hurt workers.

You could also buy from better places.

What KFC Could Do Next

KFC could:

• Set a new date for better chickens.
• Work with farmers who have them.
• Be honest about their farms.

KFC Welfare Around the World

The US has the same chicken problems. Europe tries harder.

Chicken Welfare Numbers

• The UK kills 1 billion chickens a year.
• 95% are fast-growing.
• 3-5% die early.

Quotes from Important People

RSPCA: “KFC must switch to better chickens soon.”

KFC: “The industry isn’t ready.”

Tips for Eating Better

1. Buy from local farms.
2. Eat less meat.
3. Join animal welfare campaigns.

FAQ

Why did KFC abandon its chicken welfare pledge in the UK?

KFC abandons its commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK because farmers don’t have enough better chickens.

What are Frankenchickens used by KFC?

They’re fast-growing chickens that get sick.

Is KFC still using low-welfare chickens in the UK?

Yes, most of their chickens are.

What is KFC UK’s animal welfare policy 2025?

They’ll focus on space, not breeds.

What happened to KFC’s Better Chicken Commitment?

It’s delayed past 2026.

Conclusion

KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK, upsetting animal lovers. They say farmers can’t supply better chickens. 

This shows problems with factory farming and ethical food sourcing. Groups like Humane League UK want change. You can pick better brands or eat less meat to help animals.

What will you do, stick with KFC or try something else?

References

1. The Guardian article – News with quotes, great for animal lovers. ↩︎
2. Reddit thread – Shows what people think online. ↩︎
3. Green Queen exposé – Activist view for ethical eaters. ↩︎