Nando’s and KFC among 8 UK restaurant chains to drop chicken welfare pledge
Financial Times
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nando’s and KFC are among eight major UK restaurant chains that have abandoned a commitment to source slower-growing breeds of chickens, citing supply chain constraints as the primary reason for their withdrawal. This decision marks a significant shift in the food retail industry's approach to animal welfare, raising questions about the balance between business operations and ethical sourcing practices. The move comes after several years of efforts by these companies to align with initiatives aimed at improving chicken welfare, but challenges in securing sufficient supplies have led them to reconsider their pledges.
The initiative, known as the Chicken Commitment, was launched in 2016 by a coalition of food retailers and producers with the goal of phasing out intensive farming practices by 2024. The pledge aimed to reduce bird welfare issues associated with fast-growing breeds, which are often criticized for their poor health and welfare outcomes due to genetic modifications prioritizing rapid growth over well-being. However, the participating chains, including major players like McDonald’s, Subway, and Pizza Hut, have now decided to pull out of the agreement, citing difficulties in sourcing slower-growing birds that meet both quality and quantity demands.
This decision has sparked criticism from animal welfare groups, who argue that the withdrawal undermines progress toward more ethical farming practices. Critics also point out that the move could lead to a decline in consumer trust, particularly among ethically conscious diners. While the companies involved have emphasized their commitment to sustainability and animal welfare elsewhere in their operations, this decision raises questions about the feasibility of large-scale commitments to improved welfare standards under current supply chain pressures.
For businesses, this situation highlights the delicate balance between operational efficiency and ethical responsibility. The withdrawal from the Chicken Commitment underscores the challenges faced by major food retailers in maintaining such pledges during periods of supply disruption. As consumer awareness of
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Originally published on Financial Times on 2/19/2026