Sign the open letter asking 18 restaurant chains to recommit to the Better Chicken Commitment

Context

Over 90% of the one billion-plus broiler chickens farmed each year in the UK are bred to grow fast, which causes leg problems, heart failure and early death. The Better Chicken Commitment asks for slower-growing breeds, more space, enrichment, natural light and more humane slaughter, but 18 chains including KFC UK & Ireland, Nando's and Burger King UK have stepped away from it. Chickens are slaughtered at around 35 days old.

The strategy

Companies tend to respond when public pressure threatens their reputation, and signed letters show them that customers expect promises on chicken welfare to be kept. This letter asks the 18 chains to rejoin the Better Chicken Commitment, while many other retailers say they still plan to meet it by 2026.

Why it scored 30 points

Scale: Massive

Rough estimate: tens of millions of broiler chickens a year, since these 18 chains buy a large share of the one billion UK meat chickens.

Severity: Serious

Slower-growing breeds and more space would meaningfully reduce the lameness and early death caused by the fast-growing breeds now used.

Chance of success: Long shot

The 18 chains have already left the commitment to join a different forum, so persuading them to return within a few years is a long shot.

Your difference: Small

Participation is 36,789 actions so far, and each signature is added to a total sent to the companies rather than read individually.