A new investigation reveals that the chicken meat industry is dominated by large companies, which controls the whole system. The individual factory farms have little bargaining power, despite carrying the financial risk. This stands in stark contrast with the ambitions of the EU’s Vision on the Future of Agriculture and Food – and increases animal suffering.

Following an investigation published by Helsingin Sanomat featuring material provided by Project 1882, there has been a strong public reaction to the treatment of Frankenchickens. The coverage, which also aired today on YLE, Finland’s largest news outlet, has now prompted the first political response to the issue in Finland.

An open international letter calls on the European Commission to propose a cage ban in 2026. Among those who have signed the letter are Project 1882 and animal welfare experts and researchers in Sweden.

Helsingin Sanomat has published unique images from Project 1882 documenting the entire life of Finnish Frankenchickens. The footage follows the chickens throughout their lives before they are sent to slaughter, shedding light on the reality inside Finnish chicken factory farms.

Sick, injured, dying, and dead chickens was confronting the Swedish people as Project 1882's new footage from factory farms was brought to national television. After that, politicians are calling for a ban on Frankenchickens, and the Minister for Rural Affairs is called to the committee in Parliament.

Sick, injured, dying, and dead chickens. This is the reality confronting viewers as Project 1882's new footage from Swedish factory farms is brought to national attention.

On 7 July, the European Commission presented two major initiatives: the new “Livestock Strategy” and the “Protein Action Plan”. Together, they set the direction for the future of Europe’s food system – with major implications for animals, the climate and how our food is produced. There is now an indicative timeline for phasing out of cages in the EU including an import ban on cage eggs.

Images from inside chicken factory farms are now being used to shed light on conditions that are rarely seen by the public. According to Project 1882, the material reflects a reality that contrasts sharply with how the industry presents itself.

Today, Project 1882 delivered more than 65,000 signatures to Members of the Swedish Parliament, calling for a national ban on Frankenchickens. The handover took place together with a protest for the chickens outside the Swedish Parliament.

New statistics from the Swedish Board of Agriculture show a decline in meat consumption. Project 1882 has converted this into number of individual animals and is pleased to report that the number of animals killed has also decreased. A sign that more people are choosing not to eat chickens. The decline in meat consumption has saved approximately 4.8 million chickens in 2025 compared to the previous year.

A new outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed at a chicken breeding facility in Sweden, where approximately 50,000 birds have been culled. Project 1882 argues that factory farming must be phased out in favor of a transition to plant-based food production.

A new public opinion survey by Project 1882 shows that a majority of voters in Sweden support a ban on fast-growing chicken breeds. With national elections taking place in Sweden this year, this should be an obvious policy commitment for political parties that claim to prioritise animal welfare.

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.

The Norwegian chicken industry has taken a historic step forward for animal welfare. Frankenchickens will be phased out, and the mass killing of newly hatched male chicks will stop. Project 1882 urges Sweden and the EU Commission to follow Norway’s lead.

Avian influenza reached historically high levels across Europe in 2025. According to Project 1882, the trend highlights how factory farms contribute to the spread of disease and cause immense suffering for the animals.

Every year, Project 1882 requests animal welfare inspection reports from Swedish authorities. These reports reveal a troubling pattern: Almost no inspections have been carried out at chicken slaughterhouses. Project 1882 can now confirm that this lack of oversight has persisted for several years, raising serious concerns about how chickens in Sweden are treated in their final moments.

The hotel chain Strawberry has become the latest company to take a stand for better animal welfare by saying no to Frankenchickens.

Twice as many Swedish municipalities now exclude Frankenchickens from procurement compared to last year, according to Project 1882’s annual ranking of animal-friendly municipalities.

For years, Project 1882 has been able to expose animal suffering through Sweden’s principle of public access to official documents. But not anymore. Swedish authorities have begun concealing what happens inside factory farms to protect corporate interests.

Circle K in Sweden has set a goal to stop using Frankenchickens and start working with the European Chicken Commitment (ECC).