Starving chickens and severe burns at Guldfågeln

Behind two of Sweden’s largest chicken slaughterhouses stands the brand Guldfågeln AB, where chickens have been subjected to serious suffering during 2023. Project 1882 argues that both politicians and companies must take stronger actions to stop this suffering.

Last year, the chicken slaughterhouses on Öland and in Falkenberg, owned by Guldfågeln AB and Torsåsen Fågelprodukter AB, were found to have violated animal welfare regulations on several occasions. Chickens arriving at the slaughterhouse were crushed in transport cages, and many had severe burns on their feet. Inspection reports also reveal extremely high death rates during transport. These problems often go unnoticed until after the transportation to the slaughterhouses – or even after the chickens have been killed.

– It seems impossible to guarantee that meat from Guldfågeln comes from facilities where animal welfare laws are followed. This isn't about isolated incidents or mistakes but systematic issues, year after year, showing that we must dismantle these large-scale animal factory farms once and for all, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In 2023, the Swedish Food Agency and the county administrative boards issued 88 inspection reports concerning Guldfågeln’s slaughterhouses. In 65 of these reports – about 74% – violations were found. Approximately 40 million chickens are transported to and slaughtered at Guldfågeln’s slaughterhouses each year. In 2023 alone, at least 50,000 chickens were subjected to animal welfare violations, leading to extreme suffering.

Examples of animal welfare violations at Guldfågeln on Öland in 2023

● On at least three occasions, an “abnormally high number” of chickens had severe burns on their feet, suggesting tens of thousands suffered.

● On at least one occasion, an “abnormally high number” of chickens were found dead in the transport vehicle, affecting at least a thousand individuals.

● In one case, the transport vehicle was overcrowded with too many chickens.

● In nine instances, chickens were found crushed in transport cages, or an “abnormally high number” of chickens were found dead or sick in transport vehicles, impacting thousands of individuals.

● In seven cases, violations were discovered at the slaughterhouse itself. Issues included operational stoppages, a live chicken found among waste and dead chickens, and the staff missing injured chickens during inspections.

Animal welfare violations at Torsåsen Fågelprodukter in Falkenberg in 2023

● On at least six occasions, an “abnormally high number” of chickens were found dead in transport vehicles, affecting at least ten thousand individuals.

● In 25 cases, chickens were found crushed in transport cages, or an “abnormally high number” of chickens were found dead or sick in transport vehicles, affecting thousands of individuals.

● In 13 instances, deficiencies were found at the slaughterhouse, including a live chicken found among waste and dead chickens, at least one chicken at risk of being scalded alive, and chickens starving during an operational stoppage.

Last year, the chicken slaughterhouses on Öland and in Falkenberg, owned by Guldfågeln AB and Torsåsen Fågelprodukter AB, were found to have violated animal welfare regulations on several occasions. Chickens arriving at the slaughterhouse were crushed in transport cages, and many had severe burns on their feet. Inspection reports also reveal extremely high death rates during transport. These problems often go unnoticed until after the transportation to the slaughterhouses – or even after the chickens have been killed.

– It seems impossible to guarantee that meat from Guldfågeln comes from facilities where animal welfare laws are followed. This isn't about isolated incidents or mistakes but systematic issues, year after year, showing that we must dismantle these large-scale animal factory farms once and for all, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In 2023, the Swedish Food Agency and the county administrative boards issued 88 inspection reports concerning Guldfågeln’s slaughterhouses. In 65 of these reports – about 74% – violations were found. Approximately 40 million chickens are transported to and slaughtered at Guldfågeln’s slaughterhouses each year. In 2023 alone, at least 50,000 chickens were subjected to animal welfare violations, leading to extreme suffering.

Examples of animal welfare violations at Guldfågeln on Öland in 2023

● On at least three occasions, an “abnormally high number” of chickens had severe burns on their feet, suggesting tens of thousands suffered.

● On at least one occasion, an “abnormally high number” of chickens were found dead in the transport vehicle, affecting at least a thousand individuals.

● In one case, the transport vehicle was overcrowded with too many chickens.

● In nine instances, chickens were found crushed in transport cages, or an “abnormally high number” of chickens were found dead or sick in transport vehicles, impacting thousands of individuals.

● In seven cases, violations were discovered at the slaughterhouse itself. Issues included operational stoppages, a live chicken found among waste and dead chickens, and the staff missing injured chickens during inspections.

Animal welfare violations at Torsåsen Fågelprodukter in Falkenberg in 2023

● On at least six occasions, an “abnormally high number” of chickens were found dead in transport vehicles, affecting at least ten thousand individuals.

● In 25 cases, chickens were found crushed in transport cages, or an “abnormally high number” of chickens were found dead or sick in transport vehicles, affecting thousands of individuals.

● In 13 instances, deficiencies were found at the slaughterhouse, including a live chicken found among waste and dead chickens, at least one chicken at risk of being scalded alive, and chickens starving during an operational stoppage.

About the overview

By requesting inspection reports from the Swedish Food Agency and county administrative boards, Project 1882 has mapped out the animal welfare violations reported at Sweden’s four largest chicken slaughterhouses in 2023. The slaughterhouses included in the overview are Kronfågel AB, Guldfågeln AB, Torsåsen Fågelprodukter AB (which supplies meat under the Guldfågeln brand), and Atria Sverige AB (which supplies meat under the Lagerbergs and Lönneberga brands).

Read more about other chicken slaughterhouses: Kronfågel

About the overview

By requesting inspection reports from the Swedish Food Agency and county administrative boards, Project 1882 has mapped out the animal welfare violations reported at Sweden’s four largest chicken slaughterhouses in 2023. The slaughterhouses included in the overview are Kronfågel AB, Guldfågeln AB, Torsåsen Fågelprodukter AB (which supplies meat under the Guldfågeln brand), and Atria Sverige AB (which supplies meat under the Lagerbergs and Lönneberga brands).

Read more about other chicken slaughterhouses: Kronfågel

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Nanna Thydén

Factory farms

Nowhere in the world are there more animals than on factory farms. They are treated as products, even though they are sentient individuals with their own interests and needs. Project 1882 is working to change this through public education, political advocacy and partnering with businesses. We work for a future without factory farms.

Chickens

More chickens are bred and killed for their meat than any other species of land animals. The growth-oriented breeding has led to chickens growing so fast it hurts them. It doesn’t have to be this way. Project 1882 is working actively to ensure better conditions for chickens and to reduce the killing.

Kronfågel: The worst chicken slaughterhouse in Sweden

The brand Kronfågel AB operates the largest slaughterhouse in Sweden. In 2023, they had the highest percentage of animal welfare violations compared to Sweden’s other chicken slaughterhouses. This is revealed in a new overview on animal welfare inspections compiled by Project 1882. 

Kronfågel AB, owned by international Scandi Standard, operates the largest chicken slaughterhouse in Sweden. In 2023, the company caused chickens suffering during transport, but also had several violations during the bleeding process after stunning – that may have resulted in chickens being scalded alive. 

Out of the 79 inspection reports obtained by Project 1882, a staggering 70, or 89 %, showed animal welfare violations. This means that Kronfågel retains its position as the worst chicken factory farm in 2023, just as in 2022. These issues point to systematic problems that have caused extensive suffering for the chickens. 

– Kronfågel is allowed to continue slaughtering hundreds of thousands of chickens each day, despite repeatedly failing on such critical aspects of animal welfare. Now, authorities must take decisive action to end this widespread suffering, which affects millions of animals, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.    

Approximately 55 million Frankenchickens are transported to and slaughtered at Kronfågel’s chicken slaughterhouse each year. This equates to two chickens per second, making it impossible for authorities to monitor animal welfare for individual chickens. 

Animal welfare violations discovered at Kronfågel in 2023

● On 13 occasions, deficiencies regarding slaughter were identified, and in at least five of these cases, issues during the killing process indicated that chickens may have been at risk of being scalded alive. 

● On 57 occasions, transport violations were discovered, with chickens found crushed in transport crates or “unusually large numbers” of chickens being found dead or sick in transport vehicles, affecting thousands of individuals. 

Politicians and companies must take responsibility

High mortality rates and crushing injuries during transport are problems worsened by the fact that the chickens slaughtered are Frankenchickens, which, due to intensive breeding, are sensitive to stress and have difficulty moving because of their heavy bodies. 

– It is truly painful to read about all the chickens that suffer every year in Kronfågel’s facilities. And our review only shows the violations that have been discovered – the high slaughter pace means much goes unnoticed. I can only urge everyone who wants to reject this cruelty to leave chicken off their plate and to support Project 1882’s work to dismantle factory farming, concludes Benny Andersson.

Project 1882 advocates for reduced meat consumption and aims to raise minimum welfare standards through political influence and dialogue with companies regarding European Chicken Commitment (ECC). The ECC outlines criteria for companies to implement in their policies to improve chicken welfare. Among other things, Frankenchickens will no longer be used, and chickens will be given more space, which would reduce the risk of suffering. 

Kronfågel AB, owned by international Scandi Standard, operates the largest chicken slaughterhouse in Sweden. In 2023, the company caused chickens suffering during transport, but also had several violations during the bleeding process after stunning – that may have resulted in chickens being scalded alive. 

Out of the 79 inspection reports obtained by Project 1882, a staggering 70, or 89 %, showed animal welfare violations. This means that Kronfågel retains its position as the worst chicken factory farm in 2023, just as in 2022. These issues point to systematic problems that have caused extensive suffering for the chickens. 

– Kronfågel is allowed to continue slaughtering hundreds of thousands of chickens each day, despite repeatedly failing on such critical aspects of animal welfare. Now, authorities must take decisive action to end this widespread suffering, which affects millions of animals, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.    

Approximately 55 million Frankenchickens are transported to and slaughtered at Kronfågel’s chicken slaughterhouse each year. This equates to two chickens per second, making it impossible for authorities to monitor animal welfare for individual chickens. 

Animal welfare violations discovered at Kronfågel in 2023

● On 13 occasions, deficiencies regarding slaughter were identified, and in at least five of these cases, issues during the killing process indicated that chickens may have been at risk of being scalded alive. 

● On 57 occasions, transport violations were discovered, with chickens found crushed in transport crates or “unusually large numbers” of chickens being found dead or sick in transport vehicles, affecting thousands of individuals. 

Politicians and companies must take responsibility

High mortality rates and crushing injuries during transport are problems worsened by the fact that the chickens slaughtered are Frankenchickens, which, due to intensive breeding, are sensitive to stress and have difficulty moving because of their heavy bodies. 

– It is truly painful to read about all the chickens that suffer every year in Kronfågel’s facilities. And our review only shows the violations that have been discovered – the high slaughter pace means much goes unnoticed. I can only urge everyone who wants to reject this cruelty to leave chicken off their plate and to support Project 1882’s work to dismantle factory farming, concludes Benny Andersson.

Project 1882 advocates for reduced meat consumption and aims to raise minimum welfare standards through political influence and dialogue with companies regarding European Chicken Commitment (ECC). The ECC outlines criteria for companies to implement in their policies to improve chicken welfare. Among other things, Frankenchickens will no longer be used, and chickens will be given more space, which would reduce the risk of suffering. 

About the overview

By requesting inspection reports from the Swedish Food Agency and county administrative boards, Project 1882 has mapped out the animal welfare violations reported at Sweden’s four largest chicken slaughterhouses in 2023. The slaughterhouses included in the overview are Kronfågel AB, Guldfågeln AB, Torsåsen Fågelprodukter AB (which supplies meat under the Guldfågeln brand), and Atria Sverige AB (which supplies meat under the Lagerbergs and Lönneberga brands).

About the overview

By requesting inspection reports from the Swedish Food Agency and county administrative boards, Project 1882 has mapped out the animal welfare violations reported at Sweden’s four largest chicken slaughterhouses in 2023. The slaughterhouses included in the overview are Kronfågel AB, Guldfågeln AB, Torsåsen Fågelprodukter AB (which supplies meat under the Guldfågeln brand), and Atria Sverige AB (which supplies meat under the Lagerbergs and Lönneberga brands).

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Nanna Thydén

Factory farms

Nowhere in the world are there more animals than on factory farms. They are treated as products, even though they are sentient individuals with their own interests and needs. Project 1882 is working to change this through public education, political advocacy and partnering with businesses. We work for a future without factory farms.

Chickens

More chickens are bred and killed for their meat than any other species of land animals. The growth-oriented breeding has led to chickens growing so fast it hurts them. It doesn’t have to be this way. Project 1882 is working actively to ensure better conditions for chickens and to reduce the killing.

A successful summer for the European tour “For the Animals”

Project 1882’s tour “For the Animals” is in full swing and has visited ten major European cities so far. The mobile exhibition provides EU citizens and policymakers with insight into the real situation of animals, capturing attention as it travels throughout Europe.

“For the Animals”, a unique initiative aimed at improving the situation for the animals in Europe, is currently on tour. The first stop was in Helsinki in early June. Since then, the tour has visited nine other major European cities: Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Warsaw, Berlin, Bratislava, Prague, Ljubljana, and Budapest.

– With the tour, Project 1882 aims to spread awareness of the reality for animals in Europe’s factory farms and at the same time call for stronger EU legislation for animal protection. The goal is also to create a platform for discussion and collaboration, and we have certainly seen evidence of this in the cities we have visited this far, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In addition to collaborating with other animal rights organizations across Europe, the mobile exhibition has allowed Project 1882 to discuss animal rights issues with locals and policymakers. Panel discussions, including on the importance of ensuring that no hens live their lives confined in cages, have been organized, and the exhibition’s interactive experiences have engaged many.

Project 1882 is grateful for the engagement the tour has sparked and for the support that made the tour possible from the very beginning. The organization will continue to urge policymakers to prioritize animal welfare and calls on the EU Commission to publish the long-awaited animal welfare legislation.

– It takes more than a single individual or organization to bring about change; a collective movement is essential to improve the lives of the billions of animals in Europe’s factory farms. The European tour and mobile exhibition are Project 1882’s contribution to building the European animal rights movement, says Benny Andersson.

Upcoming tour stops:

27th–28th of August: Madrid, Spain
2nd–3rd of September: Lisbon, Portugal
7th–8th of September: Porto, Portugal
14th–15th of September: Vegan Festival, Spain
24th–25th of September: Bologna, Italy
26th–27th of September: Torino, Italy
18th–19th of October: Copenhagen, Denmark
22nd–23rd of October: Malmö, Sweden
25th–26th of October: Gothenburg, Sweden
1st–2nd of November, Stockholm, Sweden

Dates are subject to change. The list of tour stops will be regularly updated here.

“For the Animals”, a unique initiative aimed at improving the situation for the animals in Europe, is currently on tour. The first stop was in Helsinki in early June. Since then, the tour has visited nine other major European cities: Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Warsaw, Berlin, Bratislava, Prague, Ljubljana, and Budapest.

– With the tour, Project 1882 aims to spread awareness of the reality for animals in Europe’s factory farms and at the same time call for stronger EU legislation for animal protection. The goal is also to create a platform for discussion and collaboration, and we have certainly seen evidence of this in the cities we have visited this far, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In addition to collaborating with other animal rights organizations across Europe, the mobile exhibition has allowed Project 1882 to discuss animal rights issues with locals and policymakers. Panel discussions, including on the importance of ensuring that no hens live their lives confined in cages, have been organized, and the exhibition’s interactive experiences have engaged many.

Project 1882 is grateful for the engagement the tour has sparked and for the support that made the tour possible from the very beginning. The organization will continue to urge policymakers to prioritize animal welfare and calls on the EU Commission to publish the long-awaited animal welfare legislation.

– It takes more than a single individual or organization to bring about change; a collective movement is essential to improve the lives of the billions of animals in Europe’s factory farms. The European tour and mobile exhibition are Project 1882’s contribution to building the European animal rights movement, says Benny Andersson.

Upcoming tour stops:

27th–28th of August: Madrid, Spain
2nd–3rd of September: Lisbon, Portugal
7th–8th of September: Porto, Portugal
14th–15th of September: Vegan Festival, Spain
24th–25th of September: Bologna, Italy
26th–27th of September: Torino, Italy
18th–19th of October: Copenhagen, Denmark
22nd–23rd of October: Malmö, Sweden
25th–26th of October: Gothenburg, Sweden
1st–2nd of November, Stockholm, Sweden

Dates are subject to change. The list of tour stops will be regularly updated here.

Petition to the European Commission

Sign the petition

Time is running out for Europe’s animals. Make sure that the European Commission upholds their commitments to animal welfare.

Sign the petition

European Commission: Keep your promises to the animals

Petition to the European Commission

Sign the petition

Time is running out for Europe’s animals. Make sure that the European Commission upholds their commitments to animal welfare.

Sign the petition

European Commission: Keep your promises to the animals

Nanna Thydén

Factory farms

Nowhere in the world are there more animals than on factory farms. They are treated as products, even though they are sentient individuals with their own interests and needs. Project 1882 is working to change this through public education, political advocacy and partnering with businesses. We work for a future without factory farms.

EU

Decision-making processes at EU-level can be difficult and time-consuming, but these decisions also represent a chance to make a real difference for billions of animals. Project 1882 follows processes and exerts influence by, among other things, contacting Swedish members of the European Parliament, Swedish ministers and the Committee on EU Affairs.

For the Animals – Euro Tour 2024

The upcoming years carry immense importance for the billions of animals confined within Europe’s factory farms. Project 1882 is now taking action by launching a European tour. With “For the Animals”, our aim is to shed light on the situation of these animals and raise awareness among both EU citizens and policymakers.

Amid ongoing discussions about animal welfare and imminent decisions that will directly affect their treatment, Project 1882 is dedicated to raising awareness about the real conditions animals face. With “For the Animals”, we are journeying across the roads of Europe, allowing citizens to witness firsthand how animals are treated on factory farms and why the promised revised animal welfare legislation in the EU needs to be put in place as soon as possible.

– How we treat animals is one of the great existential questions of our time. With our tour across Europe, Project 1882 will shed light on the systematic suffering endured by animals in factory farms every day. As Sweden’s leading animal rights and animal welfare organization, it is crucial for us to bring this issue to a wider audience and expose the reality of Europe’s animals, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

The mobile exhibition will offer interactive experiences and informational materials detailing the conditions of animals in factory farms. In addition to learning about factory farms, visitors will gain insight into the challenges facing animals and the opportunities for change. By taking the mobile exhibition directly to EU citizens, Project 1882 hopes to engage and educate the public, as well as influence decision-makers to prioritize animal rights and improve legislation.

– The EU Commission has failed to deliver on its promises. Proposals for new animal welfare legislation exist, but they are not being presented, which is a betrayal of both citizens and animals. Through our European tour, Project 1882 will shine a spotlight on the needs of animals and their rights, concludes Benny Andersson.

Since 1882, Project 1882 has been working to make a difference for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst. With the new European tour “For the Animals”, the organization takes the next step forward to elevate animal rights issues higher on the EU Commission’s agenda.

The first stop on the tour will be in Helsinki on June 6, followed by visits to cities such as Berlin, Madrid, and Lisbon, before finally reaching the EU headquarters in Brussels in the fall.

Tour stops:

6th–9th of June: Helsinki, Finland
13th–14th of June: Tallinn, Estonia
17th–18th of June: Riga, Latvia
22nd–23rd of June: Vilnius, Lithuania
26th–28th of June: Warsaw, Poland
3rd–5th of July: Berlin, Germany
9th–10th of July: Bratislava, Slovakia
13th–15th of July: Prague, Czech Republic
19th–20th of July: Ljubljana, Slovenia
24th–26th of July: Budapest, Hungary
27th–28th of August: Madrid, Spain
2nd–3rd of September: Lisbon, Portugal
7th–8th of September: Porto, Portugal
14th–15th of September: Barcelona, Spain
2nd of October: Brussels, Belgium

The list of tour stops will be regularly updated here.

Amid ongoing discussions about animal welfare and imminent decisions that will directly affect their treatment, Project 1882 is dedicated to raising awareness about the real conditions animals face. With “For the Animals”, we are journeying across the roads of Europe, allowing citizens to witness firsthand how animals are treated on factory farms and why the promised revised animal welfare legislation in the EU needs to be put in place as soon as possible.

– How we treat animals is one of the great existential questions of our time. With our tour across Europe, Project 1882 will shed light on the systematic suffering endured by animals in factory farms every day. As Sweden’s leading animal rights and animal welfare organization, it is crucial for us to bring this issue to a wider audience and expose the reality of Europe’s animals, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

The mobile exhibition will offer interactive experiences and informational materials detailing the conditions of animals in factory farms. In addition to learning about factory farms, visitors will gain insight into the challenges facing animals and the opportunities for change. By taking the mobile exhibition directly to EU citizens, Project 1882 hopes to engage and educate the public, as well as influence decision-makers to prioritize animal rights and improve legislation.

– The EU Commission has failed to deliver on its promises. Proposals for new animal welfare legislation exist, but they are not being presented, which is a betrayal of both citizens and animals. Through our European tour, Project 1882 will shine a spotlight on the needs of animals and their rights, concludes Benny Andersson.

Since 1882, Project 1882 has been working to make a difference for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst. With the new European tour “For the Animals”, the organization takes the next step forward to elevate animal rights issues higher on the EU Commission’s agenda.

The first stop on the tour will be in Helsinki on June 6, followed by visits to cities such as Berlin, Madrid, and Lisbon, before finally reaching the EU headquarters in Brussels in the fall.

Tour stops:

6th–9th of June: Helsinki, Finland
13th–14th of June: Tallinn, Estonia
17th–18th of June: Riga, Latvia
22nd–23rd of June: Vilnius, Lithuania
26th–28th of June: Warsaw, Poland
3rd–5th of July: Berlin, Germany
9th–10th of July: Bratislava, Slovakia
13th–15th of July: Prague, Czech Republic
19th–20th of July: Ljubljana, Slovenia
24th–26th of July: Budapest, Hungary
27th–28th of August: Madrid, Spain
2nd–3rd of September: Lisbon, Portugal
7th–8th of September: Porto, Portugal
14th–15th of September: Barcelona, Spain
2nd of October: Brussels, Belgium

The list of tour stops will be regularly updated here.

Petition to the European Commission

Sign the petition

Time is running out for Europe’s animals. Make sure that the European Commission upholds their commitments to animal welfare.

Sign the petition

European Commission: Keep your promises to the animals

Petition to the European Commission

Sign the petition

Time is running out for Europe’s animals. Make sure that the European Commission upholds their commitments to animal welfare.

Sign the petition

European Commission: Keep your promises to the animals

Nanna Thydén

Factory farms

Nowhere in the world are there more animals than on factory farms. They are treated as products, even though they are sentient individuals with their own interests and needs. Project 1882 is working to change this through public education, political advocacy and partnering with businesses. We work for a future without factory farms.

EU

Decision-making processes at EU-level can be difficult and time-consuming, but these decisions also represent a chance to make a real difference for billions of animals. Project 1882 follows processes and exerts influence by, among other things, contacting Swedish members of the European Parliament, Swedish ministers and the Committee on EU Affairs.

Over a quarter of Sweden's municpalities opt to phase out fast-growing chickens

For the sixth consecutive year, Project 1882 has conducted the ranking of animal-friendly municipalities in Sweden. This year, over a quarter of municipalities responded that they will use the opportunity to phase out fast-growing chickens in their upcoming procurements.

Municipalities in Sweden are increasingly alarmed by the animal welfare issues prevalent in chicken factories. In Project 1882’s annual ranking of animal-friendly municipalities, over a quarter responded that they will use the option to phase out fast-growing chickens in their next procurement, using a new criterion established by the Swedish National Agency for Public Procurement. Moreover, 17 percent of responding municipalities have reported a reduction in serving of chicken meat, surpassing figures from the previous year. Project 1882 sees great potential for the new criterion to contribute to improved animal welfare and supports the growing momentum of municipal engagement in such initiatives.

– After the revelations in recent years about systematic suffering at all stages of production in chicken factories, it is very gratifying that the municipalities are now putting their foot down. It sends a clear signal to both the industry and national politicians that fast-growing chickens need to be phased out, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Similar to the preceding year, nearly 70 percent of responding municipalities have implemented measures leading to a decrease in meat consumption and a rise in the provision of plant-based options. The adoption of additional meat-free days, where neither meat nor fish is served, is a popular measure. Approximately 20 percent now have multiple meat-free days each week, marking an increase from around 15 percent reported last year.

According to Project 1882’s ranking, there has also been a notable increase in the percentage of Swedish municipalities consistently offering vegan dishes to students upon request. This increase is largely attributed to the recent recommendations by The Swedish Association of Dietitians – Kost & Näring – who advise public canteens to provide vegan food for all individuals who ask for it. Furthermore, over one-fifth of participating municipalities have increased the proportion of entirely plant-based dishes on their regular menus.

These are all important decisions that will save many lives while also contributing to the effort to phase out fast-growing chickens. Project 1882’s persistent work to promote the adoption of European Chicken Commitment (ECC) has, in other words, yielded results – with important parts of the ECC now being incorporated into the new criterion established by the Swedish National Agency for Public Procurement.

The ranking of animal-friendly municipalities in Sweden

The annual ranking relies on a survey assessing the animal-friendly initiatives implemented by municipalities across Sweden. Every municipality is given the chance to participate, showcasing their decisions regarding municipal activities and purchases, particularly emphasizing the food served in schools and preschools. Investments in plant-based food, high animal welfare requirements in the procurement, and purchase of animal products, hold significant weight in determining the rankings. This year’s survey was conducted between November 2023 and March 2024, and 66 percent of Sweden’s municipalities responded to most or all sections of the survey.

Municipalities in Sweden are increasingly alarmed by the animal welfare issues prevalent in chicken factories. In Project 1882’s annual ranking of animal-friendly municipalities, over a quarter responded that they will use the option to phase out fast-growing chickens in their next procurement, using a new criterion established by the Swedish National Agency for Public Procurement. Moreover, 17 percent of responding municipalities have reported a reduction in serving of chicken meat, surpassing figures from the previous year. Project 1882 sees great potential for the new criterion to contribute to improved animal welfare and supports the growing momentum of municipal engagement in such initiatives.

– After the revelations in recent years about systematic suffering at all stages of production in chicken factories, it is very gratifying that the municipalities are now putting their foot down. It sends a clear signal to both the industry and national politicians that fast-growing chickens need to be phased out, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Similar to the preceding year, nearly 70 percent of responding municipalities have implemented measures leading to a decrease in meat consumption and a rise in the provision of plant-based options. The adoption of additional meat-free days, where neither meat nor fish is served, is a popular measure. Approximately 20 percent now have multiple meat-free days each week, marking an increase from around 15 percent reported last year.

According to Project 1882’s ranking, there has also been a notable increase in the percentage of Swedish municipalities consistently offering vegan dishes to students upon request. This increase is largely attributed to the recent recommendations by The Swedish Association of Dietitians – Kost & Näring – who advise public canteens to provide vegan food for all individuals who ask for it. Furthermore, over one-fifth of participating municipalities have increased the proportion of entirely plant-based dishes on their regular menus.

These are all important decisions that will save many lives while also contributing to the effort to phase out fast-growing chickens. Project 1882’s persistent work to promote the adoption of European Chicken Commitment (ECC) has, in other words, yielded results – with important parts of the ECC now being incorporated into the new criterion established by the Swedish National Agency for Public Procurement.

The ranking of animal-friendly municipalities in Sweden

The annual ranking relies on a survey assessing the animal-friendly initiatives implemented by municipalities across Sweden. Every municipality is given the chance to participate, showcasing their decisions regarding municipal activities and purchases, particularly emphasizing the food served in schools and preschools. Investments in plant-based food, high animal welfare requirements in the procurement, and purchase of animal products, hold significant weight in determining the rankings. This year’s survey was conducted between November 2023 and March 2024, and 66 percent of Sweden’s municipalities responded to most or all sections of the survey.

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Nanna Thydén

Factory farms

Nowhere in the world are there more animals than on factory farms. They are treated as products, even though they are sentient individuals with their own interests and needs. Project 1882 is working to change this through public education, political advocacy and partnering with businesses. We work for a future without factory farms.

Chickens

More chickens are bred and killed for their meat than any other species of land animals. The growth-oriented breeding has led to chickens growing so fast it hurts them. It doesn’t have to be this way. Project 1882 is working actively to ensure better conditions for chickens and to reduce the killing.

Project 1882 calls on the World Bank to re-evaluate funding for animal factories

In an open letter addressed to World Bank President Ajay Banga, Project 1882 appeals to the World Bank to reconsider its financing of factory farms. Project 1882 sees Ajay Banga’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis as an opportunity to make a real difference for animals, humans and the climate.

Together with UN agencies, the World Bank works to provide financial support and advice to countries in the Global South to reduce global poverty. When Ajay Banga took over as president of the World Bank Group in May 2023, his goal was to steer the organization towards a more sustainable future. Project 1882 welcomed the World Bank’s updated objectives, which included a commitment to combat climate change. This was a step in the right direction, but more action is needed.

Project 1882 is particularly concerned about the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) support of industrial livestock farming and animal feed production. Between 2017 and 2023, the IFC invested 3.5 billion dollars into the expansion of these activities. The negative impacts of large-scale factory farms are numerous and severe, according to Project 1882. They include biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity, price increases, disease and pandemic risks, and animal cruelty.

– The World Bank can no longer turn a blind eye to the consequences of factory farms and needs to do its part to create a sustainable and fair food system, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Project 1882 wants the World Bank to recognize its updated mission and adjust its investments in the food sector accordingly. It is about time that we acknowledged factory farms as one of the primary contributors to climate change and the loss of biodiversity. We must redirect our support towards food and farming systems that prioritize biodiversity and protect the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Project 1882 wants the World Bank to:

Publicly recognize the negative impact of factory farms on the climate and biodiversity and reassess the World Bank Group’s support in favor of more sustainable food and agriculture systems
Discontinue IFC's support for large-scale factory farms and animal feed production

Project 1882 calls on Ajay Banga and the World Bank to read the open letter and act accordingly. It is time for the World Bank Group to take the lead and invest in a more sustainable future.

Together with UN agencies, the World Bank works to provide financial support and advice to countries in the Global South to reduce global poverty. When Ajay Banga took over as president of the World Bank Group in May 2023, his goal was to steer the organization towards a more sustainable future. Project 1882 welcomed the World Bank’s updated objectives, which included a commitment to combat climate change. This was a step in the right direction, but more action is needed.

Project 1882 is particularly concerned about the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) support of industrial livestock farming and animal feed production. Between 2017 and 2023, the IFC invested 3.5 billion dollars into the expansion of these activities. The negative impacts of large-scale factory farms are numerous and severe, according to Project 1882. They include biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity, price increases, disease and pandemic risks, and animal cruelty.

– The World Bank can no longer turn a blind eye to the consequences of factory farms and needs to do its part to create a sustainable and fair food system, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Project 1882 wants the World Bank to recognize its updated mission and adjust its investments in the food sector accordingly. It is about time that we acknowledged factory farms as one of the primary contributors to climate change and the loss of biodiversity. We must redirect our support towards food and farming systems that prioritize biodiversity and protect the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Project 1882 wants the World Bank to:

Publicly recognize the negative impact of factory farms on the climate and biodiversity and reassess the World Bank Group’s support in favor of more sustainable food and agriculture systems
Discontinue IFC's support for large-scale factory farms and animal feed production

Project 1882 calls on Ajay Banga and the World Bank to read the open letter and act accordingly. It is time for the World Bank Group to take the lead and invest in a more sustainable future.

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Nanna Thydén

Factory farms

Nowhere in the world are there more animals than on factory farms. They are treated as products, even though they are sentient individuals with their own interests and needs. Project 1882 is working to change this through public education, political advocacy and partnering with businesses. We work for a future without factory farms.

EU

Decision-making processes at EU-level can be difficult and time-consuming, but these decisions also represent a chance to make a real difference for billions of animals. Project 1882 follows processes and exerts influence by, among other things, contacting Swedish members of the European Parliament, Swedish ministers and the Committee on EU Affairs.

Meliá Hotels takes an important step towards a cage-free future

Meliá Hotels International has taken a significant step forward by prioritizing the welfare of hens living their lives locked up in cages. Through the dedicated efforts of Project 1882, the hotel chain has pledged to increase transparency by providing updates on its progress towards eliminating eggs from caged hens.

In 2020, Meliá Hotels International promised to phase out eggs from caged hens by 2025. Unfortunately, the hotel chain has not reported on the progress of this work. This resulted in a low ranking in the Global Travel Report, an annual report by Open Wing Alliance that examines whether companies uphold their commitments to eliminate eggs sourced from caged hens.

Against the backdrop of these past shortcomings, Meliá Hotels has now decided to expand its reporting on the transition to a cage-free operation. The company have agreed not only to report globally for their entire portfolio, but also to report regionally and on a country-level basis. Despite the hotel chain expressing a desire for a faster progress and after much push from Project 1882, they have insisted on extending their deadline for phasing out caged eggs to 2026.

– We are very pleased that Meliá Hotels International has decided to become more transparent in its reporting and know that it will make a big difference for tens of thousands of hens around the world. The hotel chain must now intensify its efforts to accelerate the phase-out, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Project 1882’s persistent campaigning and corporate advocacy have played a significant role in influencing the Spanish hotel chain to mirror the decisions of Hilton Hotels and the Louvre Hotel Group. Project 1882 remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for change and holding companies accountable, ensuring that no hens are forced to live their lives in cages.

In 2020, Meliá Hotels International promised to phase out eggs from caged hens by 2025. Unfortunately, the hotel chain has not reported on the progress of this work. This resulted in a low ranking in the Global Travel Report, an annual report by Open Wing Alliance that examines whether companies uphold their commitments to eliminate eggs sourced from caged hens.

Against the backdrop of these past shortcomings, Meliá Hotels has now decided to expand its reporting on the transition to a cage-free operation. The company have agreed not only to report globally for their entire portfolio, but also to report regionally and on a country-level basis. Despite the hotel chain expressing a desire for a faster progress and after much push from Project 1882, they have insisted on extending their deadline for phasing out caged eggs to 2026.

– We are very pleased that Meliá Hotels International has decided to become more transparent in its reporting and know that it will make a big difference for tens of thousands of hens around the world. The hotel chain must now intensify its efforts to accelerate the phase-out, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Project 1882’s persistent campaigning and corporate advocacy have played a significant role in influencing the Spanish hotel chain to mirror the decisions of Hilton Hotels and the Louvre Hotel Group. Project 1882 remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for change and holding companies accountable, ensuring that no hens are forced to live their lives in cages.

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Nanna Thydén

Factory farms

Nowhere in the world are there more animals than on factory farms. They are treated as products, even though they are sentient individuals with their own interests and needs. Project 1882 is working to change this through public education, political advocacy and partnering with businesses. We work for a future without factory farms.

Hens and Roosters

Millions of hens are still kept in cages in Sweden and the EU. The cages are so cramped that the hens can't even puff up their feathers. Project 1882 has been actively working for many years to improve the situation for hens, and together with our members, we have managed to make caged eggs a thing of the past in all food chains.

Promising down-trend for factory-farmed animals in Sweden

New statistics reveal a notable decline in the number of chickens and pigs slaughtered in Sweden during 2023. This makes it the year with the lowest number of animals in factory farms since 2019, a decline of almost 2 % or 2.5 million animals compared to 2020. The ongoing work of Project 1882 to dismantle factory farms continues.

Statistics from the Swedish Board of Agriculture show the lowest slaughter rate for chickens in Sweden since 2019. For the first time in several years, fewer than 110 million chickens have died in Swedish factory farms. Even in the case of pigs, the slaughter rate has not been this low since before the pandemic. In total, Swedish factory farms have utilised approximately 2.5 million fewer animals in 2023 than in 2020.

− Progress may be gradual, but it's certainly heading in the right direction! This shows that Project 1882’s persistent work to dismantle the factory farms makes a real difference, and how important it is to stand up for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In 2023, scandals in the media at chicken slaughterhouses, as well as serious shortcomings at a hatchery and at Aviagen SweChick’s breeding facilities, seems to have yield tangible effects. Forecasts in the end of 2023 painted a grim picture, yet the slaughter rate experienced a decline in the last few months after all the media attention and the advocacy work of Project 1882. The criticism of the industry during the autumn and winter has occured in combination with high feed prices and reduced demand for Swedish chicken meat from fast growing chickens.

The statistics for the number of animals in factory farms are calculated by Project 1882, utilising data from the Swedish Board of Agriculture's statistics on animal production in 2023 and farm animals in June 2023. Project 1882 continues to monitor the statistics and will analyse how many animals were consumed during the same period to ensure that meat imports do not increase as the number of animals in Sweden decreases.

Statistics from the Swedish Board of Agriculture show the lowest slaughter rate for chickens in Sweden since 2019. For the first time in several years, fewer than 110 million chickens have died in Swedish factory farms. Even in the case of pigs, the slaughter rate has not been this low since before the pandemic. In total, Swedish factory farms have utilised approximately 2.5 million fewer animals in 2023 than in 2020.

− Progress may be gradual, but it's certainly heading in the right direction! This shows that Project 1882’s persistent work to dismantle the factory farms makes a real difference, and how important it is to stand up for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In 2023, scandals in the media at chicken slaughterhouses, as well as serious shortcomings at a hatchery and at Aviagen SweChick’s breeding facilities, seems to have yield tangible effects. Forecasts in the end of 2023 painted a grim picture, yet the slaughter rate experienced a decline in the last few months after all the media attention and the advocacy work of Project 1882. The criticism of the industry during the autumn and winter has occured in combination with high feed prices and reduced demand for Swedish chicken meat from fast growing chickens.

The statistics for the number of animals in factory farms are calculated by Project 1882, utilising data from the Swedish Board of Agriculture's statistics on animal production in 2023 and farm animals in June 2023. Project 1882 continues to monitor the statistics and will analyse how many animals were consumed during the same period to ensure that meat imports do not increase as the number of animals in Sweden decreases.

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Anna Harenius

anna.harenius@djurensratt.se

Factory farms

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