British branches of KFC, Burger King withdraw from chicken welfare pledge

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Major restaurant chains in the UK, including KFC and Burger King, have withdrawn from a pledge to raise chicken welfare and sourcing standards, the BBC reported Friday.

Eight restaurant groups, including the owners of Burger King and Nando's, have withdrawn from the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), abandoning a pledge to phase out fast-growing chicken breeds in favor of a new industry-led framework that does not include that requirement.

According to animal welfare groups, fast-growing “franken-chickens” reach maturity more quickly but are more prone to premature death and muscle-related diseases.

Trade body UKHospitality said the industry-led plan would support restaurant operators in cutting emissions and responding to rising demand for the lean protein, while maintaining secure and resilient supply chains.

Allen Simpson, the chief executive of UKHospitality, which represents several of the restaurant brands that have withdrawn from the BCC, said that despite the shift, the companies remain “committed to enhancing their ongoing work across welfare and the environment.”

The eight companies – which own or franchise 18 major restaurant chains – have instead joined the industry-backed Sustainable Chicken Forum (SCF). Brands involved include Popeyes, Wingstop, and Wagamama.

The SCF said businesses “no longer believe the BCC is the right framework to drive the next phase of progress on welfare” because of its requirement to source only slower-growing breeds. It argued that raising slower-growing chickens results in higher greenhouse gas emissions compared with faster-growing breeds.

UKHospitality said the SCF would prioritize improving animal welfare standards while limiting the environmental footprint of chicken production and meeting growing consumer demand.

KFC said in 2024 that it was rescinding its commitment to the pledge.