Naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham has stated he will no longer set foot in Pret A Manger outlets after the sandwich chain declined to sign the Better Chicken Commitment, a welfare standard for broiler chickens. Packham, known for his wildlife advocacy, made the announcement on social media, drawing attention to the treatment of chickens raised for meat.
Packham's boycott announcement
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Packham wrote: “I won’t set foot in a Pret again until they sign the Better Chicken Commitment.” He added that the company’s refusal to adopt higher welfare standards for chickens is “unacceptable.” The Better Chicken Commitment requires companies to use slower-growing breeds, provide more space, and improve living conditions for broiler chickens.
Pret's response and current policy
Pret A Manger responded to Packham’s criticism, stating that they source 100% of their chicken from free-range farms in the UK and Ireland. A spokesperson said: “We are proud of our high animal welfare standards and are committed to continuous improvement. However, we have not signed the Better Chicken Commitment as we believe our current sourcing meets our customers’ expectations.” The company emphasized that their chicken is free-range, which exceeds standard industry practices, but critics argue that free-range alone does not address key welfare issues like breed and stocking density.
Wider campaign for chicken welfare
Packham’s boycott is part of a broader campaign by animal welfare groups, including Compassion in World Farming, which urges major food chains to sign the Better Chicken Commitment. Over 400 companies, including KFC and Nando’s, have already signed, committing to improved conditions for broiler chickens. According to the campaign, around 95% of chickens raised for meat in the UK are fast-growing breeds that suffer from health problems, such as lameness and heart failure.
Impact on consumer choices
The dispute highlights growing consumer awareness of animal welfare in food production. Packham’s influence as a prominent naturalist may encourage his followers to reconsider their dining choices. Pret, with over 400 shops in the UK, faces potential reputational risks if the boycott gains traction. The chain has previously faced criticism over other welfare issues, including the use of eggs from caged hens, which it phased out in 2018.
