New survey reveals high prevalence of skin disease in Lidl’s chicken products
London, UK – Today, a shocking new animal welfare survey conducted by the charity Open Cages has found that 74% of whole chickens sold in Lidl stores across the UK are plagued by a skin condition caused by unsanitary living conditions. This is nearly four times higher than levels reported by rival supermarket Aldi.
The survey, which analyzed 1,964 chicken products from 40 Lidl stores in 21 cities from September to November 2023, found that the chickens were suffering from ‘hock burn’, a painful chemical burn caused by the birds being forced to lay in their own feces and urine. Photos from the survey can be accessed here.
According to Andrew Knight, Veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare, “Fast-growing chicken breeds and overcrowded conditions are used by some supermarkets in an attempt to maximize profits, but chickens can suffer as a result. This is indicated by meat characteristics such as hock burns and white striping disease, which consumers can see with their own eyes, as shown in this report.”
Hock burns are caused by the ammonia in the birds’ feces, which can lead to painful skin ulcers that can be seen on the meat as a dark brown lesion. The charity also found that 94% of Lidl’s chicken breast meat packages were affected by ‘white striping disease’, a muscle disorder caused by chickens being bred to reach slaughter weight in just 6 weeks. This results in higher fat content and lower protein levels in the meat.
Professor Knight continues, “The results are chronic suffering for many millions of chickens, and poorer meat quality. The solution is to use slower-growing chicken breeds with more space, as advocated by the Better Chicken Commitment.”
The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) is a set of improved welfare standards signed by hundreds of food businesses across the world. Open Cages, alongside leading animal welfare charities, is calling on Lidl to sign up to the BCC in order to improve the lives of chickens and reduce the prevalence of hock burns and other health issues.
Open Cages founder Connor Jackson comments, “Despite Lidl’s claims on transparency and food quality, this report reveals that its chicken meat is riddled with revolting diseases caused by filthy farming conditions and poor welfare. It’s not only animals who are paying the price, but also consumers. I hope our report arms consumers with knowledge and helps them make more informed choices about where they shop.”
Over 600 companies, including Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, KFC, Lidl France, and Lidl Denmark, have already signed up to the BCC or parts of it. However, Lidl has not taken any meaningful steps to improve the lives of chickens in the UK. Half a million people have signed petitions calling on Lidl to adopt the BCC Europe-wide.
About Andrew Knight:
Andrew Knight is a veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare, affiliated with the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University, Queensland, where he is an Adjunct Professor. Prof. Knight is also affiliated with the University of Winchester, where he established and directed its Centre for Animal Welfare from 2015 – 2023.
Media Contact:
Connor Jackson, CEO & Co-founder
Open Cages
connor.jackson@opencages.org
+447504580011
