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Tesco faces chicken welfare vote Tesco faces chicken welfare vote
(about 1 hour later)
Tesco shareholders are being asked to back proposals to improve welfare standards for chickens championed by TV cook Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.Tesco shareholders are being asked to back proposals to improve welfare standards for chickens championed by TV cook Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
The celebrity chef will be attending Tesco's annual general meeting (AGM) where investors will be asked to adopt new standards for the rearing of birds.The celebrity chef will be attending Tesco's annual general meeting (AGM) where investors will be asked to adopt new standards for the rearing of birds.
Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall and other chefs have highlighted what they say are appalling conditions in some farms.Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall and other chefs have highlighted what they say are appalling conditions in some farms.
But Tesco maintains it sources chickens from farms with high standards.But Tesco maintains it sources chickens from farms with high standards.
High-profile campaignHigh-profile campaign
Tesco, which accounts for more than a fifth of all intensively reared chickens, was criticised earlier this year when it cut the retail price of its standard whole chicken to £1.99. Tesco, which accounts for more than a fifth of all intensively reared chickens sold, was criticised earlier this year when it cut the retail price of its standard whole chicken to £1.99.
Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall, star of Back to River Cottage and other food shows, has highlighted the plight of chickens in many intensive battery farms.Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall, star of Back to River Cottage and other food shows, has highlighted the plight of chickens in many intensive battery farms.
FREEDOM FOOD REQUIREMENTS FOR CHICKEN FARMS Bright lighting to help exerciseDark area to encourage rest25% more space than industry standard to increase activityObjects to peck at such as footballs or wooden perchesOnly rear genetically slower growing breeds Source:RSPCA
He and other celebrity chefs have argued that conditions in some farms are unacceptable and that this is caused by Tesco and other supermarkets selling chickens far too cheaply.He and other celebrity chefs have argued that conditions in some farms are unacceptable and that this is caused by Tesco and other supermarkets selling chickens far too cheaply.
He is urging shareholders to support the motion at a vote on Friday, which would require Tesco to adopt higher minimum standards for chickens it purchases.He is urging shareholders to support the motion at a vote on Friday, which would require Tesco to adopt higher minimum standards for chickens it purchases.
If backed by shareholders, Tesco would have to adopt the RSPCA's freedom farm standards on how birds are fed and what exercise they get by a certain date. If backed by shareholders, Tesco would have to adopt the RSPCA's freedom farm standards on how birds are fed, exercised and transported they get by a certain date.
Critics have claimed the plans will force up the price of chickens at a time when families are already facing much higher shopping bills. Farms approved by the RSPCA for meeting "higher welfare" standards are able to carry the freedom farm logo on their products.
But critics have claimed the plans will force up the price of chickens at a time when families are already facing much higher shopping bills.
'High standards'
Corporate governance firm PIRC, which is backing the proposals, said it did not expect to win the vote but that it would raise awareness of the issue.Corporate governance firm PIRC, which is backing the proposals, said it did not expect to win the vote but that it would raise awareness of the issue.
Higher standards would create a "more enriched environment" for chickens and would ultimately be healthier for customers, it said.Higher standards would create a "more enriched environment" for chickens and would ultimately be healthier for customers, it said.
PIRC's Phineas Glover denied that shoppers were only interested in paying the lowest price for food and that welfare issues were a sideshow for Tesco. We employ a dedicated team of agricultural specialists to ensure that farmed animals are reared in a humane and compassionate manner Tesco statement
PIRC's Phineas Glover said the idea that shoppers were only interested in paying the lowest price for food and that welfare issues were a sideshow for Tesco was mistaken.
"A lot of evidence suggests that non financial issues are big indicators of long-term value.""A lot of evidence suggests that non financial issues are big indicators of long-term value."
Tesco demands "high standards" of animal welfare from its suppliers, it says, with all farmers having to meet its code of practice on acceptable standards.
"We employ a dedicated team of agricultural specialists to ensure that farmed animals are reared for Tesco in a humane and compassionate manner," it says on its website.
"We ensure that our standards are met by using our internal team of agricultural experts and independent auditors, who carry out third party inspections."