New report reveals shocking prevalence of diseased meat in Lidl stores
A recent survey conducted by animal welfare charity Open Cages has uncovered alarming results regarding the quality of chicken meat sold at Lidl supermarkets. The survey, which analyzed 1,964 chicken products from 40 Lidl stores in 21 UK cities between September and November 2023, found that a staggering 74% of whole chickens examined were affected by a painful skin disease caused by the birds being forced to lay in their own waste. This is a significant increase from levels reported by rival supermarket Aldi, which was found to have only 19% of its chicken products affected.
The report also revealed that 94% of Lidl’s chicken breast meat was afflicted with ‘white striping disease’, a muscle disorder caused by the birds being bred to reach slaughter weight in just 6 weeks. This results in meat that is up to 224% higher in fat content and lower in protein levels, posing potential health risks for consumers.
Veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare, Andrew Knight, explains the cause of these diseases: “Fast-growing chicken breeds and overcrowded conditions are used by some supermarkets in an attempt to maximize profits, but chickens can suffer as a result. This is indicated by meat characteristics such as hock burns and white striping disease, which consumers can see with their own eyes, as shown in this report.”
The report also highlights the lack of information available to consumers about the risks of eating meat affected by hock burns. Open Cages is calling on Lidl to sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), a set of improved welfare standards backed by the RSPCA and signed by hundreds of food businesses worldwide. The BCC advocates for the use of slower-growing chicken breeds, more space, and better living conditions for chickens.
Open Cages founder Connor Jackson comments on Lidl’s refusal to sign up to the BCC: “Despite Lidl’s big claims on transparency and the quality of its food, this report reveals that its chicken meat is in fact riddled with revolting diseases caused by filthy farming conditions and poor welfare. It’s not only animals who are paying the price, but we as consumers too. Hundreds of companies – from high-end retailers to discounters – have signed the Better Chicken Commitment and in doing so have responded to the many problems associated with intensive chicken farming. But Lidl has refused to act, despite half a million people signing the petition.”
The report has sparked concerns among consumers, with half a million people signing petitions calling on Lidl to adopt the BCC Europe-wide. While companies such as Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, KFC, Lidl France, and Lidl Denmark have already signed up to the BCC or parts of it, Lidl has not taken any meaningful steps to improve the lives of chickens in the UK. As the largest retailer in Europe, it has the power and responsibility to lead the way in addressing the issues associated with intensive chicken farming.
Open Cages CEO and co-founder Connor Jackson can be reached for media inquiries at connor.jackson@opencages.org or +447504580011.
About Andrew Knight:
Andrew Knight is a veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare, affiliated with the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University, Queensland, where he is an Adjunct Professor. Prof. Knight is also affiliated with the University of Winchester, where he established and directed its Centre for Animal Welfare from 2015 – 2023.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.