European Chicken Commitment

In September 2017, Compassion joined forces with a group of European NGOs calling on companies to sign up to the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) - also known as the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). It is a comprehensive set of science-based criteria that will, when used as a complete package, significantly improve the welfare of broiler chickens. Compassion in World Farming has been working with companies throughout Europe to encourage them to sign up to the BCC and commit to achieving the following by 2026:

SLOWER GROWING BREEDS: using breeds that demonstrate higher welfare outcomes
MORE SPACE TO LIVE: ensuring a stocking density of 30kg/m2 or less, to give the birds more space to move around, express natural behaviours and rest undisturbed
ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT: providing at least two metres of usable perch space and two pecking substrates per 1,000 birds to stimulate bird behaviour
NATURAL LIGHT: providing at least 50 lux of light, including natural light
HUMANE SLAUGHTER: adopting Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS) using inert gas or multi-phase systems, or effective electrical stunning without live inversion
THIRD PARTY AUDITING: demonstrate compliance with the above standards via meaningful third-party animal welfare audits and annual reporting on progress towards this commitment

For companies with a Halal requirement in their supply chain, their commitment should be accompanied by the Statement of Intent.

To date, over 380 companies have joined the European Chicken Commitment - find out who is stepping up for chicken welfare here.

Read our Better Chicken Commitment overview and the full criteria for the ECC.

In the US, over 230 companies have agreed a similar ask to provide better welfare for broiler chickens by 2024.

Broiler Forums and our Better Chicken Business Network

Many ECC signatories have been involved in Compassion’s industry forums and working groups which has given them the confidence to make the commitment and to start working on their implementation plans for higher welfare chicken. If you want to be involved get in touch.

The Better Chicken Business Network (BCBN) is your go-to hub for the latest news, events and exclusive content related to the Better Chicken Commitment. Designed to address challenges in the broiler supply chain, the BCBN connects companies struggling to find BCC-compliant suppliers or buyers for their BCC-compliant products. We've published a much-anticipated Supplier and Distributor List – highlighting companies open to supplying or distributing BCC-compliant chicken.

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