Nestlé makes ‘hugely beneficial’ chicken welfare pledge
Nestlé has vowed to improve the welfare of millions of chickens used for food in Europe under several of its brands.
Taking a phased approach, the food giant says it will actively work with supply chain partners and stakeholders to improve living conditions for chickens, ensure the use of more humane practices and to reduce stocking density.
And by 2026, all Nestlé food products in Europe that use chicken as an ingredient will move to one higher standard for welfare as per the requirements set out in the European Broiler Ask (Better Chicken Commitment).
“Consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it is made,” says Marco Settembri, Nestlé Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa CEO. “As part of our commitment to source ingredients responsibly we will improve welfare standards for millions of chickens used in our food products in Europe, including our Herta, Buitoni, Wagner and Maggi ranges.”
Chilled meat brand Herta will make changes in its sourcing of chicken starting on 1 January 2019, as part of the longer-term transition to higher welfare standards.
Nestlé will engage suppliers and stakeholders to assess how chicken ingredients sourced for its Buitoni, Wagner and Maggi brands and entire food portfolio can meet higher welfare standards while maintaining consumer access to affordable, high-quality product choices.
Commenting on the announcement, Martin Cooke, international head of corporate engagement for world animal protection says, “This commitment by Nestlé will be hugely beneficial to the welfare of chickens across Europe, and builds on the similar commitment Nestlé has already made in the USA.
“This move means more space for chickens to move around, enriched environments and natural light to promote exercise, stretch their wings and carry out normal behaviours.”
