Lidl has set itself the goal of improving animal welfare for chickens raised for their meat, so-called broiler chickens: On top of its previous plan to offer only chicken meat produced in accordance with level 3 or higher of the German husbandry type label »Haltungsform« by 2030, the retailer has added criteria for slaughter and breeding practices, as well as a roadmap and the commitment to publish regular progress reports. As the world’s largest discounter, Lidl is thereby sending a strong signal that higher animal welfare is possible in the food retail sector.
The standards required by level 3 of the »Haltungsform« label mean more space for the chickens – limited to a maximum of 29 kg per square meter – permanent access to outdoor climate areas, provision of enrichment materials, as well as health monitoring and regular audits. Additionally, Lidl had already decided some time ago to accept only chicken meat from farms that use CO2 stunning during slaughter.
The retailer has also committed to using only breeds listed on the RSPCA-positive list, which are characterized by slower growth, robustness and better health under the required husbandry conditions.
Lidl will implement these changes gradually, based on a roadmap, and will publish regular progress reports. The Albert Schweitzer Foundation will stay in dialogue with the retailer.
With its commitment, Lidl is following the examples of competitors Aldi, Norma, Tegut, Globus, Bünting, and Rewe. Europe’s largest seller of chicken meat thus sends an important signal to producers to implement higher animal welfare standards on their farms. It also serves as a clear call to action for the two remaining food retailers that have not yet joined the Broiler Initiative — Edeka and Kaufland.