MILFORD, Conn. -- Quick-service sandwich giant Subway plans to implement several policies that speak to humane treatment of chicken raised for meat across their supply chain in the United States.
Subway has committed to cementing the following policies by 2024:
- To source only chicken breeds that have been approved by the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) as having higher welfare outcomes.
- To source only chickens that have been given more space, according to the GAP’s guidelines.
- To ensure that all chickens sourced have an improved environment, including litter, lighting and enrichment, per the GAP’s standards.
- To source only chickens that have been humanely processed, through a multistep, controlled-atmosphere system.
“This day marks a watershed moment for the chicken industry,” said Rachel Dreskin, head of US Food Business for Compassion in World Farming. “When the largest fast-food chain in the world commits to better chicken, there’s no turning back.”
Several restaurant companies, such as Burger King, Panera Bread, TGI Fridays and Red Robin, have already made similar commitments to better chicken. Additionally, convenience-store chains such as Sheetz have committed to make use of cage-free eggs for foodservice by 2025.
“Our suppliers’ animal welfare practices will be third-party audited and updates will be communicated annually,” said Subway in a statement.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.