KFC, Nando's, and others ditch chicken welfare pledge as demand soars
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Major restaurant chains including KFC, Nando's, Burger King, and others have abandoned the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), an industry pledge to stop using fast-growing chickens linked to poor welfare standards. These companies are shifting their focus to an alternative industry-led initiative called the Sustainable Chicken Forum (SCF), which they claim will address rising demand for chicken while reducing environmental impact.
The BCC, supported by animal welfare groups, aimed to phase out the use of fast-growing "franken-chickens" that suffer from health issues and higher mortality rates. However, the SCF argues that farming slower-growing breeds is less efficient and emits more greenhouse gases. Proponents of the SCF, including UKHospitality, assert that it will help restaurants meet consumer demand for lean protein while ensuring sustainable supply chains.
Critics, however, accuse the move of being a public relations strategy to avoid criticism rather than a genuine effort to improve welfare. Anima International and The Humane LeagueUK argue that the shift prioritizes profit over animal welfare, as slower-growing chickens are more expensive to produce and require contractual commitments from suppliers. They claim companies are leaving the BCC because there is currently insufficient supply of higher-welfare birds.
The British Poultry Council supports this transition, stating it aligns with current production challenges and cost constraints. However, retailers like M&S and Waitrose remain committed to the BCC, highlighting a divide within the industry over how best to balance business needs with ethical considerations.
This decision underscores the ongoing tension between corporate profitability and animal welfare standards in the food industry. As demand for chicken continues to rise, the debate over sustainable and ethically sourced meat remains a critical issue for consumers, businesses, and policymakers alike.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026