Restaurants

Casual Dining Group commits to sourcing higher welfare chicken

Casual Dining Group (CDG), has signed up to the European Chicken Commitment, in a bid to improve welfare for the animal.

The commitment requires companies to commit to a range of key standards by 2026 around slower growing chicken breeds, reduced stocking density, environmental enrichment, natural light, and humane slaughtering processes.

All parties involved will be audited by an independent body to ensure they are meeting the requirements.

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The signing follows months of planning, analysis and engagement between CDG and Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) to ensure that every opportunity has been explored in order to achieve and sustain its aims.

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CDG and CIWF aim to host a working group later this year to develop a five-year action plan supported by annual progress reports prioritising the challenges it will need to be overcome in delivering the standards

Simon Galkoff, group procurement director at CDG, said: “This agreement is a very exciting time for us and demonstrates months of hard work across the business.

“The decision to sign this agreement was not something we took lightly, and we have conducted significant due diligence and research with CIWF to ensure we’re comfortable that plans are in place to meet the requirements of the commitment.”

Tracey Jones, Compassion’s director of food business, added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Casual Dining Group over the last few years. We have seen them tackle confinement in laying hens and are delighted to see them extend their welfare focus to broiler chickens.

“They have a genuine ambition to make a positive contribution to animal welfare across their business, but also across the wider industry.”

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