Sweden’s chicken industry under fire for welfare concerns
Despite revelations of serious animal welfare issues, Frankenchickens and parent birds in Sweden continue to be subjected to extensive suffering. A new follow-up investigation by Sweden’s public service broadcaster shows that the problems persist – and that those in power have yet to act.
At the start of the parliamentary term, SVT (the Swedish public service television company) revealed how Frankenchickens grow so fast that their legs can no longer support their bodies, and how parent birds are kept on restricted diets to prevent them from dying as a result of their fast‑growing genetics. Public reactions were strong, and expectations of political action were high.
However, the follow‑up programme shows that little has changed.
This is one of the most pressing animal welfare issues in Sweden today, and it is completely unacceptable that nothing has happened in two years.
– Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882
The industry must act
The industry organization Svensk Fågel (the Swedish Poultry Association) represents most of the Swedish chicken industry and can decide which chicken breeds are used in production. In Norway, the industry has decided to phase out Frankenchickens and set a deadline for their breeding, and Denmark is pushing for an EU-wide ban. Sweden, however, seems to be moving in the opposite direction.
The situation of broiler chickens is a result of the industry not acting and decision-makers accepting suffering as the norm. In Norway, the industry has already shown that it is possible to take responsibility – when will Sweden follow suit?
– Benny Andersson
In the programme, Svensk Fågel claims that Swedish chicken production maintains high animal welfare standards. Yet assessments by researchers and veterinarians presented in the investigation identify Frankenchickens as one of the most serious animal welfare problems in Swedish factory farming.
Political promises – without results
In the original investigation, Sweden’s Minister for Rural Affairs stated that he did not rule out political initiatives. As the parliamentary term now draws to a close, no such proposals have been presented.
The lack of political initiative is particularly striking when compared to the steps taken by our neighbouring countries. This new investigation represents a renewed opportunity to act. The only responsible course is to immediately set an end date for the breeding and use of Frankenchickens in Sweden
– Benny Andersson
Project 1882 urges policymakers to immediately establish a deadline for ending the breeding and rearing of Frankenchickens. Animal welfare legislation must be enforced in practice, with regular inspections and noticeable consequences when the law is violated.
As a consumer, you also have the power to influence change – by choosing plant-based alternatives instead of chicken.
Frankenchickens: Bred to suffer
Frankenchickens grow so quickly that they experience pain, become ill, and die prematurely. Many develop mobility disorders, before their lives end between 35 and 42 days of age. Project 1882 urges the EU Commission to act by working on a ban on the breeding of Frankenchickens.
