Natural Grocers will participate in the Better Chicken Commitment, a set of standards for broiler chicken welfare developed by a coalition of animal welfare organizations.
The vast majority (90 percent) of the chicken and chicken-containing products the company sells already meet or exceed these new standards. The retailer will work with the vendors who do not meet all the standards, to transition to meet all BCC requirements by 2026.
"Retailers share the responsibility to ensure farm animals are treated with compassion, and the ASPCA is thrilled to see Natural Grocers take this monumental step for chickens raised for meat," said Julia Johnson, manager of corporate policy, Farm Animal Welfare, ASPCA, in a statement. "Natural Grocers' pasture-raised eggs are already included on the ASPCA Shop With Your Heart Brand List, and this next step demonstrates that they care about the welfare of all chickens. The ASPCA congratulates Natural Grocers on its progressive BCC policy and the impact this is going to make for animals."
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