Document type: Written answer from the European Commission to question E-002189/2023
Authors: question: Annika Bruno (ID). Answer: Mrs Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Question: Many intensive poultry farms rear fast-growing chickens. These genetically-selected breeds of chicken gain between 50 and 90 g per day and live an average of only 35 to 39 days before being slaughtered. However, this ‘achievement’ comes at the expense of: – animal welfare, since these chickens develop muscular problems (which lead to a high risk of limping) and cardiovascular problems that sometimes lead to the sudden death of the animal, even before it is sent to the slaughterhouse; – competition, since intensive, fast-growing chicken farms compete with small, often family-run, farms that are more likely to rear free-range chicken breeds, which grow more slowly and are slaughtered between 81 and 110 days old; – our own health, since fast-growing chickens contain twice as much fat as free-range chickens and less omega-3 fatty acids.
1. Is the Commission considering banning the rearing, import and sale of fast-growing chickens as part of the revision of legislation on animal welfare?
2. Will it make sure that small farms that respect the environment and animal welfare are able to compete?
Answer: The Commission requested a scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) addressing the welfare of chickens kept for meat production (broilers) on farm and including the welfare of broiler breeders. EFSA adopted that opinion in December 2022[1], recommending a maximum growth rate of 50 grams per day.
The Commission is considering this recommendation in its work on the revision of the animal welfare legislation. An impact assessment, which will assess the economic, social and environmental impact of the envisaged changes to the EU animal welfare legislation, is currently ongoing.
