UK retailer Tesco has announced that it will be rearing its fresh chicken to higher welfare standards.
Tesco said that all the fresh chicken in its core ranges would be grown with 20% more space than the industry standard, which it said would provide customers with access to "affordable, higher welfare chicken".
The improvements, which will be completed by the first half of 2025, will see chicken grown at a reduced stocking density, allowing them additional room to "express their natural behaviours".
The move will also ensure birds have increased access to environmental enrichment such as straw bales, perches, pecking objects and natural light.
The fresh chicken will be available on the retailer's Best of British page, which launched on the Tesco website in April 2024.
Natalie Smith, head of sustainable agriculture and 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.”
