Tesco to introduce improvements in chicken welfare standards
Tesco has announced that all fresh chicken in its core ranges will be reared to higher welfare standards.
In a statement, the supermarket said there will be a reduction in stocking density with birds provided with 20% more space than the industry standard to give them more room to express their natural behaviours. Birds will also continue to have increased access to environmental enrichment such as straw bales, perches, pecking objects and natural light.
The improvements will be completed by the first half of 2025.
Tesco said the move builds on its existing higher welfare brands, which already include lower stocking densities.
All of Tesco’s fresh chicken is sourced from UK farms and the supermarket will be investing in its existing supply base to help with the transition. Separate to this, Tesco has already committed to an additional £12 million in financial support for its British chicken farmers and suppliers over the course of 2024/25.
Natalie Smith, head of sustainable agriculture & fisheries at Tesco, said: “We know how much our customers care about animal welfare, and we’re committed to improving standards across our ranges wherever possible, while maintaining great value and quality for customers.
“That’s why over the course of the next year, all our core fresh chicken will be grown to higher welfare standards, with over 20% more space than the industry standard.
“This move reaffirms our commitment to British agriculture and is a significant step-up in welfare standards for the poultry industry in the UK. Thanks to this move, customers can continue to make better, more sustainable choices while still enjoying the same great value.”
