A press release from Compassion in World Farming explains that the pledge follows recent news from Burger King’s parent company, RBI, transitioning to cage-free eggs. These encouraging developments signal a growing momentum for improving chicken welfare across its business.

Burger King has been reviewing its chicken supply chain over the last few years and will now begin to map out the introduction of the new BCC criteria across its UK operations. Measures will include using slower growing breeds that have better welfare outcomes and providing the birds with more space and access to perches, pecking objects (such as straw bales or scattered grain) and natural light.

Lindsay Duncan, World Animal Protection farming campaigns manager, "Signing up to the Better Chicken Commitment means that chickens on farms that supply Burger King will have more space and will be raised more humanely. It also means that there will be less risk of disease spread. We are calling on other fast food companies to follow Burger King's lead and put the welfare of animals first before profit."

Burger King UK joins a growing list of leading companies including KFC (France) who also signed up to the commitment this month. All signatories recognise the importance of advancing welfare standards for chickens across the food industry.

“We are pleased to see such a notable high street brand like Burger King take an active role in improving the welfare of chickens across its business,” said Dr Tracey Jones, Director of Food Business for Compassion in World Farming (CIWF).

“Their commitment comes at a time of great uncertainty, particularly for the food service sector, following the COVID-19 pandemic. We applaud their approach towards responsible food production, which is more important now than ever before.”

Click here to learn more about the Better Chicken Commitment.