Today (18 October), Auchan Retail France has strengthened its commitment to improve broiler welfare by signing up to the European Chicken Commitment.

This pledge means that 100% of their fresh and frozen chicken meat and processed products (containing more than 50% chicken) will meet the higher welfare criteria by 2026.

They join Monoprix, Intermarché, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, as the first European retailers to make the commitment to significantly improve the living conditions and slaughter practices for meat chickens (e.g. more space per bird, slower-growing breeds, the presence of perches and natural light and more humane slaughter methods.)

Working in partnership

Compassion has been working closely with Auchan since 2017 and has helped the retailer develop its animal welfare policy for all species in its supply chain, covering farming, transport and slaughter, as well as setting the minimum welfare requirements for their premium own brand products.

At the end of 2018, with technical support from Compassion, Auchan started its work to improve the standards for its own brand chicken, based on the welfare criteria defined by the European Chicken Commitment.

Its own label chicken range (whole and cuts) already includes some of the higher welfare requirements, e.g. more space per bird, perches and natural light.

Amélie Legrand, Senior Food Business Manager for France said: “Our team has been working closely with Auchan for over two years and it’s encouraging to see such great progress.

"This latest commitment for broiler chickens strengthens Auchan's animal welfare policy which was published last summer and solidifies their high position on farm animal welfare. It’s a fantastic move and one that will positively impact millions of chickens every year.”

Auchan joins the move for better chicken in France!