February 20, 2026
Finger‑lickin’ or finger‑waggin’?
KFC, Nando's, and others ditch chicken welfare pledge
KFC & Nando’s bail on chicken welfare pledge — commenters cry “franken‑chicken” and PR spin
TLDR: KFC, Nando’s and others left a welfare pledge to back an industry plan, saying slower-growing birds raise emissions and supply issues. Comments split between calling it “franken‑chicken” PR spin and defending cost and climate math, with boycott boasts and health fears seasoning the debate.
Cue the clucking: KFC, Nando’s and other chains ditched the Better Chicken Commitment (a pledge to phase out fast‑growing birds) for an industry plan called the Sustainable Chicken Forum — and the internet is roasting. Animal groups yell “franken‑chickens!”, accusing brands of welfare‑washing and chasing profit. UKHospitality fires back that slower‑growing birds mean more emissions and less supply, and the British Poultry Council basically says: keep costs down, please.
Commenters came in hot. One camp calls it finger‑waggin’ bad, cheering boycotts and sneering at “PR‑stunts.” Another asks practical questions: How much longer do slower breeds take to grow? Would prices double? A US‑based commenter wonders if the UK avoids American‑style overcrowding, while others toss health grenades — from “too fatty to be better than red meat” to gripes about antibiotics.
Then there’s the vibe check: a user boasted 16 months without KFC, McDonald’s or Burger King because it’s “overpriced, unhealthy and American.” Another dropped an archive link like a mic, fueling the “cover‑up” whispers. Meanwhile, a small but loud minority shrugs, saying feeding the nation matters and the SCF might still improve welfare while cutting carbon.
Bottom line: it’s finger‑lickin’ versus finger‑pointin’, with memes, ethics, and chicken math all on the menu.
Key Points
- •Eight UK restaurant groups left the Better Chicken Commitment and joined the industry-led Sustainable Chicken Forum.
- •The SCF rejects a requirement to use only slower-growing chicken breeds, citing emissions and supply concerns.
- •UKHospitality says the SCF will aim to increase welfare, lower environmental impact, and meet rising poultry demand.
- •KFC has fully withdrawn from the BCC after earlier rescinding its plan to phase out fast-growing chickens; it buys about 4% of UK chicken supply.
- •Animal welfare groups criticize the move as profit-driven and harmful to welfare, while the British Poultry Council welcomed it amid cost pressures.