McDonald’s Australia has announced it will introduce RSPCA-approved chicken across all restaurants nationwide from February, 2021.
To receive this certification, McDonald’s has collaborated with its three existing chicken suppliers, Ingham’s, Turosi and Baiada, who have committed to participating in regular assessments to ensure their farms meet the RSPCA’s higher animal welfare standards.
This announcement follows McDonald’s transition to cage-free eggs in 2017, demonstrating the business’ commitment to making thoughtfully sourced food more accessible to Australian consumers.
Kylie Freeland, Director of Supply Chain and Sustainability, McDonald’s Australia, said: “As Australia’s leading quick service restaurant business, we are proud to work with suppliers that share our commitment to animal welfare practices.
“One of the most meaningful ways we can improve the lives of farmed animals is to ensure they have access to an environment that meets their individual needs and encourages them to express their natural behaviours.
“We have a responsibility to provide our customers with transparent information on how we are working to improve animal health and welfare in our supply chain. With the ongoing support and partnership of our Aussie chicken farmers, we look forward to supplying RSPCA Approved Chicken nationally by February 2021.”
McDonald’s has been working with the Australian agriculture industry for nearly 50 years and in 2019 alone, purchased over 15.7 million kilograms of locally sourced chicken from Australia’s meat chicken farming industry.
Richard Mussell, CEO of RSPCA Australia, said: “Australians care about the treatment of farm animals and by sourcing chicken from farms participating in the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme, McDonald’s is showing they, like their customers, care too.
“We know that for good animal welfare, meat chickens must be reared in a way that prioritises their wellbeing and allows them to express normal behaviours, such as perching, dustbathing and foraging. The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme Standards allow birds to do these things and more.
“Ensuring that all chicken farmed for McDonald’s meets the RSPCA’s Standards will have a profound impact on the lives of millions of Australian birds every year.”