KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK—and it’s causing major concern among animal rights groups, experts, and everyday customers. The fast-food giant had promised to improve chicken welfare but recently stepped away from this goal. What does this mean for chickens, consumers, and the food industry?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the full story. We’ll also look at expert opinions, real-life examples, prices, practical tips, and more.
Table of Contents
📍 What Happened: A Step Back from Welfare Standards
KFC UK had once promised to follow the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). This plan helps ensure chickens are raised with care—more space, better air, and fewer health problems. But now, KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK, and many feel let down.
The Better Chicken Commitment was launched by top animal welfare groups like the RSPCA and World Animal Protection. It had six clear goals:
- Healthier breeds
- More space
- Better lighting
- Better air quality
- Enrichments like perches
- Humane slaughter methods
KFC joined this agreement in 2019 but now says it can’t meet all the targets due to supply chain issues and cost increases. This decision has shocked animal rights groups and many UK customers.
➡️ According to The Guardian, KFC dropped these goals in 2024, blaming “challenges with farmers and suppliers.”
🔎 Why It Matters: Real-Life Impact
When KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK, millions of chickens are affected. These birds may live in tighter, more stressful environments and suffer more health issues.
Real-life example:
Ellie, a 14-year-old student from Manchester, said:
“I used to eat KFC all the time. But when I learned about the chicken suffering, I stopped. It’s sad.”
Case Study – Netherlands Success:
In the Netherlands, KFC followed the Better Chicken Commitment and saw positive results. Chickens were healthier, customers stayed loyal, and costs were managed well. So, why not in the UK?
💸 Price: Is Higher Welfare Too Expensive?
One big reason KFC gave was cost. Higher-welfare chicken is more expensive to raise:
| Chicken Type | Average Cost per kg | Notes |
|---|
| Standard Factory-Raised | £2.00 | Poor welfare, faster growth |
| BCC-Compliant Chicken | £2.90 | More space, slower growth |
| Organic Chicken | £4.00+ | Best welfare, most expensive |
KFC claims that using better chicken would raise menu prices. But many UK shoppers are willing to pay a little more for better welfare. A survey by Compassion in World Farming showed 7 out of 10 people would pay more for cruelty-free chicken.
🧠 Expert Advice: What Do Animal Welfare Experts Say?
Dr. Emma Hockridge from Soil Association shared:
“When companies break their promises, animals pay the price. Chickens raised in poor conditions often suffer broken legs, burns, and extreme stress.”
Dr. Hockridge also added that companies like M&S and Waitrose are still working toward the Better Chicken Commitment, proving it’s possible with planning.
🌍 Location Matters: Is This Only in the UK?
Right now, this backstep is focused on KFC UK. Other regions like the Netherlands and parts of the U.S. are still on track to meet higher-welfare goals.
So, if it works elsewhere, why not in the UK? The answer may lie in how KFC structures its supply chains and pricing in different regions.
✅ Benefits of Higher-Welfare Chicken
When chickens are raised with better care, it’s not just the birds that benefit:
- Healthier meat: Less risk of disease
- Better taste: Many chefs say slow-grown chicken tastes better
- Customer trust: People feel better supporting humane practices
- Lower antibiotics: Less sickness means less need for meds
❌ Disadvantages of KFC’s Decision
Let’s be honest—there are drawbacks when KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK:
- More suffering for chickens
- Negative brand image
- Customers switching to competitors
- Missed chance to lead in animal welfare
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Support Better Chicken Welfare
If you’re upset about this change, here are ways you can help:
- Read labels – Look for RSPCA Assured, BCC, or Organic.
- Support restaurants that follow welfare commitments.
- Write to KFC UK – Let them know you care.
- Share on social media – Spread awareness.
- Donate or volunteer with groups like Compassion in World Farming.
📊 Chart: Brands That Still Follow the Better Chicken Commitment
| Brand | BCC Member | Region | Status |
|---|
| KFC | ❌ | UK | Dropped BCC |
| M&S | ✅ | UK | On Track |
| Waitrose | ✅ | UK | On Track |
| Nando’s | ❌ | UK | Not Signed |
| Subway | ✅ | Europe | On Track |
| KFC (Netherlands) | ✅ | Netherlands | On Track |
Source: Compassion in World Farming
🌱 Practical Use: What Can Families Do at Home?
Parents and kids can make smarter choices:
- Choose better chicken at the supermarket.
- Try Meat-Free Mondays.
- Teach kids about animals and food ethics.
- Cook meals at home instead of eating fast food often.
❓FAQs About KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK
Why did KFC abandon the Better Chicken Commitment in the UK?
KFC said it was due to rising costs, limited supplier availability, and other business challenges.
What is the Better Chicken Commitment?
It’s a promise made by food brands to improve how chickens are raised—more space, better health, and humane treatment.
Does this affect all KFC locations?
No. This mainly affects KFC in the UK. Some other countries like the Netherlands are still following the commitment.
Can I still eat ethical chicken at restaurants?
Yes! Brands like M&S, Pret A Manger, and Waitrose follow higher welfare standards.
Is high-welfare chicken really healthier?
Yes. These chickens often have fewer diseases and need fewer antibiotics.
🧾 Conclusion
Now that KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK, it’s up to us as customers to speak up. Choosing better chicken, supporting ethical brands, and staying informed are small steps that lead to big change.
Let’s not forget—chickens can’t speak for themselves, but our forks and voices can.
📚 External Sources for More Information: