Nestlé is the latest company to commit to an animal welfare pledge for its meat chickens and has been praised by the RSPCA.
The business is joining the likes of Marks & Spencer and Knorr who have also signed up to the Better Chicken Commitment, pledging to meet a number of requirements to improve the welfare of meat chickens.
Amongst the commitment’s requirements are providing natural light, more space and enrichment - such as straw bales and vegetables to peck - and perching, as well as adapting slaughter methods.
Improving animal welfare forms part of Nestlé’s efforts to use traceable and responsibly sourced ingredients in its products.
Nestlé Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa CEO Marco Settembri said: “Consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it is made.
“As part of our commitment to source ingredients responsibly we will improve welfare standards for millions of chickens used in our food products in Europe, including our Herta, Buitoni, Wagner and Maggi ranges.”
Kate Parkes, chicken welfare specialist at the RSPCA, said: “We are really pleased that a food business ‘giant’ like Nestlé has jumped on board with this very important initiative.
“Globally, chicken is expected to become the largest meat sector in the world by 2020 as other countries also increase production.
“This move by Nestlé is another great step for meat chickens and consumers.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
