Public Money Is Being Used To Buy Frankenchickens That UK Ministers Want Phased Out

Despite UK ministers' support for a voluntary phase-out of fast-growing chicken breeds, commonly referred to as "frankenchickens," public funds are still being used to purchase them for schools, hospitals, prisons, and military services. Over 90% of chickens in the UK are of these fast-growing varieties, and a significant majority of the public believes supermarkets should stop selling this type of meat. On November 10, constituents gathered at the Houses of Parliament to urge lawmakers to stop public sector procurement of frankenchickens and to push for better animal welfare standards.

Organized by UK Voters for Animals and supported by several animal welfare organizations, the event featured advocacy calls for public money to only support chicken that meets the Better Chicken Commitment, alongside demands for clear planning to transition away from fast-growing breeds and for mandatory product labeling. The ongoing debate mirrors a broader European context, as countries like Denmark and Norway are advancing towards bans on these breeds citing animal welfare concerns, emphasizing the need for tangible government action in the UK.