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Chipotle commits to higher chicken standards in Europe

October 10, 2019

Chipotle Mexican Grill is signing the European Chicken Commitment, a venture that will apply higher animal welfare standards to its European supply chain by 2026. The chain made a similar commitment in 2017 in the U.S. and has since extended it to its operations in Canada.

"Excellence in animal welfare has been in Chipotle's DNA since it was founded and continues to be a top priority for us more than 25 years later," Yael Cypers, Chipotle manager of the animal welfare program, said in a company press release. "We are pleased to be extending our commitment to now include Europe and Canada."

Using standards aligned with the new requirements of the Global Animal Partnership's standard for broiler chickens, Chipotle said it will work to achieve the following goals by 2024, in the U.S. and Canada and 2026, in Europe:

• Improved breeding by transition to genetic strains of birds that will grow slower and allow for better welfare outcomes.
• Provide more space by reducing maximum stocking density to 6 pounds per square foot.
• Give chickens housing that includes improved lighting, litter and floor enrichments that allow chickens to express natural behaviors.
• Process chickens in a manner that utilizes a multi-step controlled-atmosphere processing system.

Chipotle has more than 2,500 restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.