2020-01-14
ISS UK joins the European Chicken Commitment
Over the last decade, ISS UK has pioneered sustainable and ethical practices within its Food Services businesses. As we look forward, the work to engage and encourage better food systems for our customers will continue and we are committed to responsible sourcing throughout our extended supply chain - an important consideration in the selection of suppliers to support our business. Following last year’s commitment to source cage free eggs by 2025, ISS UK has now enhanced our commitment to work closely together with suppliers in a series of aspirational targets to source goods in an ethical and sustainable manner with key regard to animal welfare.
By joining the European Chicken Commitment, we will expect our suppliers to meet the following requirements for 100% of fresh, frozen and processed chicken by 2026:
1) Comply with all EU animal welfare laws and regulations, regardless of the country of production.
2) Implement a maximum stocking density of 30kg/m2 or less. Thinning is discouraged and if practiced must be limited to one thin per flock.
3) Adopt breeds that demonstrate higher welfare outcomes: either the following breeds, Hubbard JA757, 787, 957, or 987, Rambler Ranger, Ranger Classic, and Ranger Gold, or others that meet the criteria of the RSPCA Broiler Breed Welfare Assessment Protocol.
4) Meet improved environmental standards including:
- At least 50 lux of light, including natural light.
- At least two metres of usable perch space, and two pecking substrates, per 1,000 birds.
- On air quality, the maximum requirements of Annex 2.3 of the EU broiler directive, regardless of stocking density
- No cages or multi-tier systems.
5) Adopt controlled atmospheric stunning using inert gas or multi-phase systems, or effective electrical stunning without live inversion.
6) Demonstrate compliance with the above standards via third-party auditing and annual public reporting on progress towards this commitment.