In September, EDEKA and the Albert Schweitzer Foundation entered into constructive talks. EDEKA reported on measures and progress already achieved; the talks focused on determining the next steps. Both sides agreed on the following plans:
-
The EDEKA Group aims to offer only poultry meat from higher »Haltungsform« levels (3, 4, and 5) in its own brands from the end of 2030, depending on the availability of goods.
-
In connection with this, the EDEKA Group will only use slower-growing poultry breeds. It will refer to the RSPCA positive list or a positive list developed with the Deutscher Tierschutzbund and other stakeholders in »Haltungsform«, which defines parameters for aspects of animal welfare and animal health.
-
The EDEKA Group is committed to the continuous, science-based development of »Haltungsform« criteria for broiler chickens and turkeys and will only accept improvements that promote animal welfare.
-
By the end of 2027, only multi-stage CO2 stunning will be used. With the exception of one small organic farm, all poultry farms that supply EDEKA have already made the switch.
-
The EDEKA Group will report regularly on its progress toward higher »Haltungsform« levels.
Mahi Klosterhalfen, President of the Albert Schweitzer Foundation, comments: »I am delighted about the agreement with EDEKA and look forward to the regular exchanges we will have with each other to further advance animal welfare in Germany.«