KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK, and many people are now very upset. KFC had promised to use better chickens that grow slower and live healthier lives. These chickens would have more space, better air, and less pain. But now, KFC says it can’t keep that promise because there are not enough of these special chickens available. Animal lovers and groups like the Humane League are saying this is a big mistake. They believe chickens deserve a better life, and they feel KFC is going back on its word.
When KFC first made the promise in 2019, it sounded like a big win for animals. But today, not much has changed. Only 1 out of 100 chickens at KFC come from higher-welfare farms. This shows very little progress. People who care about animals are asking KFC to do better and keep their promise. Now, many customers are rethinking what they eat.
Why KFC Abandons Commitment to Sourcing Higher-Welfare Chickens in the UK
KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK because they say there aren’t enough of these chickens available. These better chickens grow slowly, stay healthier, and live in nicer conditions. KFC had promised to only use these birds by 2026, but now they say they can’t do it. They blame the problem on the farmers and the wider chicken industry, saying others haven’t made the switch either. KFC also says they’re a small part of the chicken market, so it’s hard to make big changes alone. But many people think this is just an excuse. They feel KFC should keep its promise no matter what. The company says it still wants to improve things, like giving chickens more space, but there’s no clear new date. This decision made many people sad and upset, especially those who care about animals.
What Are Higher-Welfare Chickens, and Why Do They Matter?
Higher-welfare chickens are chickens that grow slowly and live in better homes. They have more space, cleaner air, and less pain. These chickens are not forced to grow too fast, so their legs and bodies stay stronger and healthier. When chickens grow too fast, they get sick and hurt more easily. That’s why many people want food companies like KFC to use these kinder chickens. Higher-welfare chickens also have more room to move and play, and they live with less stress. Animal lovers believe this is the right way to raise animals for food. It’s not just about taste or money—it’s about kindness. When big food companies choose these better chickens, it shows they care. So, it’s very important for customers to learn where their chicken comes from and ask for higher-welfare choices when they eat out.
Broken Promises: What KFC Promised in 2019 and What Happened Instead
Back in 2019, KFC said it would make big changes by 2026. They promised to stop using fast-growing chickens and switch to higher-welfare ones. They also promised better lighting, air quality, and more space for the birds. People were happy to hear this because it sounded like a kind and smart move. But now, in 2025, KFC says they can’t keep that promise. They’ve only made 1% progress, and that’s very small. Many people feel let down. They trusted KFC to do the right thing, but it didn’t happen. The company says it still cares and wants to improve, but there’s no new timeline. It’s like making a promise and not keeping it. That’s why animal groups and customers are very upset. They say promises are important, and companies must do what they say they will.
Is the UK Chicken Industry Really to Blame?
KFC says the reason they can’t get higher-welfare chickens is because the UK chicken industry hasn’t changed. They say most farmers still grow fast-growing chickens, so it’s hard to find enough of the better ones. While it’s true that slower-growing birds are harder to raise, some people think this is not a good enough reason. Other food companies are trying harder and doing better. Some say if big brands like KFC really want better chickens, they should help farmers make the change. Maybe they could pay more or offer support. Right now, KFC is blaming the farmers, but others believe KFC has the power to make a difference. If they try harder, they can be leaders and help the whole industry grow kinder. So, it’s not only about the farmers—it’s also about the choices KFC is making.
What Other Big Brands Are Doing About Chicken Welfare
While KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK, other big brands are trying to stick to their promises. Companies like Subway, Greggs, Burger King, and even M&S have joined the Better Chicken Commitment too. Some of these brands have already made changes, like using slower-growing chickens or giving birds more room. These steps help chickens live better and healthier lives. It shows that change is possible if the company really wants to do it. Some brands even work closely with animal groups to improve their chicken supply. So when people ask, “Why can’t KFC do it?”—the answer may be about how much they care. Other brands are not perfect, but they are moving forward. This shows that KFC could also do more if they truly cared about animal welfare and keeping promises.
What Animal Rights Groups Are Saying About KFC’s U-Turn
Animal rights groups are very unhappy because KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK. Groups like the Humane League say KFC broke an important promise to animals and customers. They say chickens are still suffering in crowded, painful conditions because of fast growth and poor care. These groups want KFC to give a new deadline and a real plan. They even held protests outside KFC’s offices, showing signs and calling for change. Some people say KFC only made the promise in the first place to look good, but didn’t really plan to finish the job. Animal groups say it’s time for action, not just nice words. They want KFC to do better and take real steps toward kindness. This means using slower-growing chickens and giving them better homes. They believe KFC can still do it, but only if they try hard and care enough.
How KFC’s Choice Affects You as a Customer
When KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK, it also affects you and your family. You might not see it, but the chickens used for food may live in poor and painful places. If you care about animals or where your food comes from, this news is important. It means KFC is choosing cheaper and faster chicken over kinder and healthier options. Some people may stop eating there or ask more questions about their food. Others may look for restaurants that use higher-welfare meat. As a customer, you have power. When you choose better food, companies listen. So this is not just about chickens—it’s about trust, health, and kindness too. What you eat and where you buy it from can make a big difference. That’s why this choice by KFC matters to everyone.
What KFC Should Do Next to Win Back Trust
If KFC wants to win back people’s trust, they need to take action. First, they should be honest and set a new clear timeline for when they will switch to higher-welfare chickens. They also need to show progress—real numbers, not just promises. Working with animal welfare groups again would help too. KFC can also help farmers raise slower-growing chickens by giving them support and better pay. Another good step would be lowering the number of chickens packed into small spaces. Right now, KFC says they will lower stocking density by 2026, which is good—but not enough. People want more than talk; they want change. KFC should remember that their customers care about animals and kindness. If they listen and work hard, they can still fix things. Being honest, kind, and responsible is how KFC can make things right again.
How to Choose Higher-Welfare Chicken When Eating Out
If you care about animal welfare, you can make better choices when eating out. First, look for places that follow the Better Chicken Commitment or say they use higher-welfare chicken. You can also ask the restaurant where their chicken comes from. If they don’t know, that’s a sign they may not use good-quality meat. Look for labels like “free-range,” “organic,” or “RSPCA Assured”—these usually mean the chickens had a better life. Try to support restaurants or shops that care about animals. Even if it costs a little more, it helps farmers do better and helps animals live healthier. And remember, your choice matters. When more people ask for higher-welfare chicken, companies listen and change. So next time you eat out, think about where the chicken came from. Kind choices lead to a kinder world—for animals and for people.
Conclusion
KFC said it would help chickens by using better farms, but now it says it can’t keep that promise. This makes many people sad and angry. Chickens still live in small, crowded places, and that’s not fair. If KFC wants to be kind, it should try harder to keep its word. We all hope they will make a new plan soon.
As customers, we can help too. When we pick better food, it shows we care. We can ask questions, look for kinder meat, and eat at places that treat animals well. Small choices make a big change. Let’s choose kindness on every plate.
FAQs
Q: What does it mean that KFC abandons commitment to sourcing higher-welfare chickens in the UK?
A: It means KFC will not switch to using kinder, slower-growing chickens by 2026 like they had promised.
Q: Why are higher-welfare chickens important?
A: They grow slower, feel less pain, and live in better, more comfortable spaces.
Q: Is KFC still trying to make chicken welfare better?
A: KFC says it still wants to help chickens but doesn’t have a new date or full plan.
Q: Are other companies doing better than KFC with chicken welfare?
A: Yes, brands like Subway, Greggs, and M&S have made more progress in using higher-welfare chickens.
Q: What can I do to support animal welfare when eating out?
A: Ask where the chicken comes from and choose restaurants that use higher-welfare or free-range chicken.