December 21, 2020

McDonald's Australia to introduce chicken that meet better animal welfare standards

In February 2021,McDonald's Australia will introduce in the entire country chicken that are approved by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

The fast-food chain has partnered with three suppliers – Ingham's, Turosi and Baiada – to get chicken which meet the RSPCA's higher animal welfare standards. The move follows the company's transition to cage-free eggs in 2017, part of a commitment to making "thoughtfully sourced food" more accessible to Australian consumers.

"We have a responsibility to provide our customers with transparent information on how we are working to improve animal health and welfare in our supply chain," said Kylie Freeland, director of supply chain and sustainability at McDonald's Australia.

McDonald's bought more than 15.7 million kilogrammes of locally sourced chicken from Australian chicken farms last year.

"By sourcing chicken from farms participating in the RSPCA-Approved Farming Scheme, McDonald's is showing they, like their customers, care too," said Richard Mussell, CEO of RSPCA Australia. "Ensuring that all chicken farmed for McDonald's meets the RSPCA's Standards will have a profound impact on the lives of millions of Australian birds every year."

The majority of farms linked to McDonald's key chicken suppliers have been participating in the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme for several years.

- Inside FMCG