Eighty-six per cent of shoppers say all the chickens we eat should be farmed to ethical animal welfare standards, according to a new RSPCA Assured survey.
But whilst the trend for ethical purchasing is growing, the reality is only a small minority of chickens produced in the UK come from farms meeting acceptable welfare standards.
The survey revealed price is the biggest barrier preventing shoppers from choosing ethical chicken with 28% saying it’s too expensive.
But whilst the price of ethical chicken is cited as the main reason people are not choosing it and opting for cheaper alternatives, the cost might not be as bad as people think.
RSPCA farm animal welfare scientist Sophie Elwes said: “Ethical chicken does cost a bit more. But when you think an RSPCA Assured chicken is over two times cheaper - gram for