Independent Test Finds Superbugs in More Than Half of Chicken Products Sold by Lidl GB
A recent microbiological test conducted by an independent, accredited laboratory in Germany revealed that over half of the fresh chicken products sold by Lidl GB contain antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs.’ The investigation, commissioned by animal welfare charities including Open Cages and leading antimicrobial experts, highlights the link between poor animal welfare practices and the spread of antibiotic resistance, posing a threat to public health.
The test examined 40 fresh chicken products sold under Lidl’s flagship “Birchwood British” chicken brand in 5 different stores across the UK. The lab found multi-resistant bacteria (ESBL or MRSA) on 23 products (58%), faecal bacteria E-Coli on 19 products (47.5%), and Listeria on 12 products (30%).
Experts warn that these resistant bacteria can cause serious infections that may not respond to antibiotics, and can also spread resistance to other bacteria in the body. Professor Timothy Walsh, Research Director of Biology at the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, notes that “the presence of multi-resistant bacteria in meat is a worrying trend and represents a serious public health concern.” He adds, “the use of human antibiotics in animal production can have a profound long-term effect on the effectiveness of antibiotics to treat human infections.”
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria mutate or acquire genes that allow them to survive exposure to antimicrobials. This can make treatments either more difficult or entirely ineffective, elevating risks for surgeries, C-sections, and chemotherapy.
According to experts, one of the major causes of resistant bacteria in chicken meat is the use of fast-growing breeds, a practice criticized by animal welfare charities like Open Cages. These “Frankenchickens” are selectively bred for rapid growth, resulting in weak immune systems that make them prone to infections and diseases.
Professor Walsh believes that improving animal welfare, such as adopting slower-growing breeds, can significantly reduce the need for antibiotics. The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), a set of welfare measures designed by animal welfare specialists, prohibits the use of fast-growing breeds. Data from the Dutch broiler industry shows that slower-growing chickens require nine times fewer antibiotics.
Despite recent commitments by Lidl to give more space to chickens in line with one of the BCC requirements, the company has not yet announced plans to change the breeds they sell.
Connor Jackson, CEO of Open Cages, expresses concern over the findings, stating, “For years we have asked retailers like Lidl to stop selling fast-growing chickens. These alarming new findings reveal that this is no longer only about animal welfare: we are all paying the price.” He adds, “according to the tests, a Lidl customer has a one in two chance of taking potentially life-threatening superbugs into their homes. That’s like flipping a coin. Are we really OK with that? Is cheap meat really worth the risk to our health?”
Changes in farming practices could have large-scale implications for reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. According to data, 73% of all antimicrobials sold globally in 2017 were for farmed animals, making factory farms a major driver of antibiotic resistance.
Several companies have already agreed to stop selling fast-growing chickens, including M&S, Waitrose, KFC, Nando’s, all major French supermarkets, and even Lidl in France, Belgium, and Denmark.
For more information, please contact Media contact:Connor Jackson, Co-founderOpen Cagesconnor.jackson@opencages.org07504580011
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.