Published 11/01/2008

Major UK supermarket, Sainsbury's, demonstrated their willingness to change following consumer demand by making a commitment which will improve the welfare of millions of hens and chickens.

Sainsbury's are moving away from stocking the most intensively farmed chickens, which will improve the lives of 70 million birds. This is a huge step forward for animal welfare.

The supermarket giant has announced a move away from stocking the most intensive factory-farmed chickens across its fresh and frozen meat range and will instead adopt Freedom Food standard or equivalent as the minimum.

"This will dramatically improve the lives of 70 million chickens every year and is one of the most significant moves in farm animal welfare in the UK." Dr. Lesley Lambert, Compassion in World Farming Director of Food Policy

Freedom Food or equivalent standards ensure more space, environmental enrichment such as straw bales and slower-growing birds which are less susceptible to lameness and heart failure.

Caring can be rewarding

In December 2007, Sainsbury's won two categories in Compassion in World Farming's Supermarket Awards for their welfare standards and commitment to improvements, particularly for laying hens.