We are delighted to announce that Subway, the world’s largest quick service restaurant chain, has signed up to the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) for 100% of the chicken in its European managed supply chain.

Our Food Business team has been working with Subway for many years on their animal welfare policies. This latest commitment comes after Subway UK received a Good Egg Award in 2008 for committing to source only free-range egg for its egg products – a commitment which was extended in 2010 to all Subway products sold across Europe containing egg as an ingredient.

More and more companies pledging unified support

Subway follows a host of other leading companies who have also committed to significantly improve broiler welfare, including KFC, Nando’s and Burger King.

Momentum is building as more and more companies pledge their unified support for improving the living conditions and slaughter practices for meat chickens. The European Chicken Commitment requires companies to provide more space per bird, natural light, perches and pecking substrates, and, crucially, to use slower growing breeds, which is fundamental for bird welfare and health.

Higher welfare chicken is the future

“I am delighted that food service giant Subway has made the commitment to move to higher welfare chicken across its European business,” said Dr Tracey Jones, our Global Director of Food Business.

“Collective action is essential for success and as more global brands like Subway sign up to the ECC it gives a clear signal to industry that higher welfare chicken is the future. Acting on these commitments is a crucial next step, and we look forward to working with Subway on their roadmap for change.”

Find out more about the European Chicken Commitment and the amazing work our Food Business team do to help secure these commitments.