STARBUCKS has become the latest business to commit to switching to Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) poultry by 2026.
The coffee conglomerate was already committed to the standard in the US and will now do the same here in the UK for all fresh, frozen and processed chicken.
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According to the Humane League, Starbucks will report annually on its progress towards the standard, which will affect more than 1,000 stores.
It added that seven of the UK’s ten largest restaurant chains were now committed to the BCC, including Greggs, Pret a Manger, KFC & Pizza Hut, Nando’s, Burger King and Subway.
The BCC standard is distinct from Red Tractor-reared chicken in that it requires slower-growing breeds of birds and lower stocking densities.
Welfare standards
A spokesperson for Starbucks said: “Just as with Starbucks coffee, the goal is for all products sold in Starbucks stores to meet high quality and ethical standards.
“We are committed to working with and buying from farmers and suppliers to improve animal welfare standards across the industry.
“Starbucks UK is part of the Better Chicken Commitment and as part of this, will meet their required chicken welfare standards by 2026.”
Matthew Melton, corporate relations manager at The Humane League UK, added: “Starbucks is a household name, and another huge company signing onto the Better Chicken Commitment shows that the policy is going from strength to strength.”
