The Pecking Order

The Pecking Order annually audits and scores leading fast-food giants on their commitments to chicken welfare in their supply chains.

The questionable conditions in which chickens are raised for meat are rightly bringing increased scrutiny to food retailers. Globally, approximately 60 billion chickens undergo severe suffering, compelled to reach slaughter weight within a mere 40 days, leading to significant strain. These birds endure harsh confinement in overcrowded sheds with inadequate lighting. Previously concealed, these practices are now gaining attention, mirroring the increased awareness surrounding the plight of caged egg-laying hens.

Change for Chickens

The Pecking Order follows on from our Change for Chickens campaign which garnered support from over half a million people in ten countries to call on KFC and demand better lives for these animals within their supply chains.

This years report

For 2023 we assessed European fast-food restaurants and food service companies on their chicken welfare standards, including well-known brands such as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Starbucks. Find out how they scored.