(qlmbusinessnews.com . Sat 21st Feb, 2026) London, UK —
KFC and Burger King Among Companies Abandoning Better Chicken Commitment for Sustainability
Several prominent restaurant chains in the UK, including the likes of KFC, have renounced their pledge to enhance chicken welfare standards amidst escalating demand for poultry. The conglomerates, counting the operators behind Burger King and Nando's among their number, have departed from the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). This initiative aimed to cease the use of fast-growing chicken breeds, opting instead for an industry-driven proposal lacking this obligation.
Critics from animal welfare organisations have raised concerns over the so-called “franken-chickens”, which achieve maturity more rapidly but suffer from increased instances of premature mortality and muscular afflictions.
UKHospitality, representing the interests of several restaurant brands stepping back from the BCC, has endorsed the move towards an industry-led strategy. This approach, according to the trade body, will aid establishments in cutting emissions, satisfying the booming demand for this lean protein, and securing resilient supply chains.
“Despite these alterations, the companies remain dedicated to advancing their efforts concerning welfare and environmental concerns,” remarked Allen Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of UKHospitality.
The eight corporations, encompassing or franchising 18 distinguished restaurant chains, have instead allied with the Sustainable Chicken Forum (SCF), which includes entities such as Popeyes, Wingstop, and Wagamama.
The SCF has articulated its stance, stating that the BCC's insistence on sourcing solely slower-growing chicken breeds no longer aligns with their vision for welfare progression. It also argued that rearing slower-growing breeds contributes more to greenhouse gas emissions compared to the faster-maturing varieties.
UKHospitality has highlighted that the SCF's aims include bolstering welfare standards whilst concurrently addressing the environmental footprint of chicken farming and meeting consumer demand.
In 2024, KFC announced it would revoke its pledge to discontinue the purchase of fast-growing chickens, a decision that culminated on Thursday with a full withdrawal from the BCC.
Despite KFC, a division of Yum Brands, commanding approximately 4% of the UK's chicken supply, industry insiders have pointed out the current scarcity in the supply of slower-growing poultry within the country.
Animal welfare body Anima International condemned the shift, attributing it purely to financial incentives. Connor Jackson, the UK Chief Executive of the organisation, lambasted the reasons given by these companies for their departure as fallacious, highlighting the severe welfare issues posed by “franken-chickens”.
He suggested that the absence of supply for higher-welfare chickens is due to the industry's reluctance to produce these without guaranteed contracts, given their greater cost.
Claire Williams, Campaigns Manager at The Humane League UK, criticised the restaurant chains for prioritising profits over animal welfare. She argued that while the BCC was structured by scientists to aid animal welfare, the SCF seems to serve as a vehicle for corporate interests to sidestep criticism under the guise of welfare efforts.
Richard Griffiths, leader of the British Poultry Council, welcomed this development, noting the strain of increased production costs and sluggish planning approvals on the industry. Despite the proliferation of takeaway chicken shops in recent years, the major buyers of poultry remain the UK’s supermarkets, with companies like M&S, Waitrose, and café chains Pret and Greggs maintaining their allegiance to the BCC.
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel.
Visit QLM businessnews.com for more business news stories. Also follow us on Facebook, X, and Youtube.
To help QLM Business News bring you more news stories like this, please like, share, and subscribe.
Unlock unparalleled business growth and effortlessly attract a stream of new customers through QLM Business News Sponsored Advertising. Elevate your brand's presence and captivate your target audience with precision. Visit QLMbusinessnews.com and click on “Advertise” to harness the power of strategic advertising. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to propel your business to new heights of success!
Disclaimer: All images presented herein are intended solely for illustrative purposes and may not accurately depict the true likeness of the subjects, objects, or individuals referenced in the accompanying news stories.
