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Nestlé pledges higher chicken welfare standards

Food and beverage company Nestlé USA says that by 2024, it will strive to source broiler chickens used in its U.S. food products from suppliers meeting specific animal welfare standards.

Nestlé says it will transition to chicken breeds recognized as having slower growth rates and better leg health.  The company says it will reduce stocking density to a maximum of six pounds per square foot of space and give birds access to natural light and surroundings to help allow expression of natural behaviors.  Nestlé also says chicken stunning and processing will be more humane.

Nestlé calls it a complex undertaking that has to be done in a sustainable and cost-effective way.  The announcement is getting praise from animal rights groups.