Mercy For Animals has released its first U.S. retailer report ranking major supermarkets and other chains on their approach to chicken welfare.
Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Giant Eagle, and Sprouts are among the top performers, while Target, ALDI, and Winn-Dixie are among those ranked lowest, according to the nonprofit that works to construct a compassionate food system.
"Kroger and Albertsons, the country's two largest supermarket companies, have begun making meaningful progress on key chicken welfare issues," said Leah Garcés, president of Mercy For Animals, in a statement. "But others—such as Target, ALDI, and Winn-Dixie—have failed to take action to prohibit the worst practices and reduce suffering for the chickens in their supply chains."
More than 200 companies in North America have adopted the Better Chicken Commitment, a set of welfare practices that give birds more space, provide environmental enrichments, and end cruel live-shackle slaughter, according to the company.
"Retailers know people care about animals," added Garcés. "By adopting the standards of the Better Chicken Commitment, grocery stores and supermarkets can address growing consumer concern for how animals are raised and slaughtered."
Related: ASPCA Debuts Animal Welfare Grocery List Tool; Retailer Q&A: Handling Food Waste.