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| The truth about the poultry industry | The truth about the poultry industry |
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| Congratulations to George Monbiot (Faeces, bacteria, toxins: what goes on at the chicken farm, 20 May) for raising the issue of the disgusting way we treat “farmed” animals (to chickens, add beef and dairy cattle, pigs, lambs, ducks etc) destined for the dinner plate and the way the vast majority of meat-eaters, many of whom would claim to abhor cruelty to animals, prefer to think only of their purses and their stomachs in their wilfully blind meat consumption. | Congratulations to George Monbiot (Faeces, bacteria, toxins: what goes on at the chicken farm, 20 May) for raising the issue of the disgusting way we treat “farmed” animals (to chickens, add beef and dairy cattle, pigs, lambs, ducks etc) destined for the dinner plate and the way the vast majority of meat-eaters, many of whom would claim to abhor cruelty to animals, prefer to think only of their purses and their stomachs in their wilfully blind meat consumption. |
| This kind of argument is rarely seen in the mainstream media, despite the best attempts of animal welfare organisations, no doubt because most press barons are in league with giant agri-business and see anybody who seeks to put animal welfare at the heart of arguments about healthy eating and the protection of the environment as some namby-pamby, sandal-wearing do-gooder. The fact is that animals are mostly treated appallingly, in the raising as well as the slaughtering part of the process, and those who pursue ever cheaper cuts of meat and pints of milk are encouraging even more corner-cutting on the limited welfare standards that do apply. | This kind of argument is rarely seen in the mainstream media, despite the best attempts of animal welfare organisations, no doubt because most press barons are in league with giant agri-business and see anybody who seeks to put animal welfare at the heart of arguments about healthy eating and the protection of the environment as some namby-pamby, sandal-wearing do-gooder. The fact is that animals are mostly treated appallingly, in the raising as well as the slaughtering part of the process, and those who pursue ever cheaper cuts of meat and pints of milk are encouraging even more corner-cutting on the limited welfare standards that do apply. |
| Interestingly, in another article in the same edition (Prime minister’s former PR guru swaps big society for ethical food chain, 20 May), Steve Hilton, recommends that all food producers should be required to “film and live-stream every part of their food chain on the internet” and have photos of the “factory or abattoir in which each product originated” on packaging. This echoes what the famous vegetarian Paul McCartney has said about us all being vegetarians should such factories and abattoirs have glass walls. It’s a nice thought – is it too much to hope that more people will start thinking it?Tony ClarkeLondon | |
| • In order to operate, poultry farms must hold an environmental permit, which contains measures to protect the environment from pollution to air, land and water. This includes monitoring and reducing emissions of dust, ammonia and methane, sustainable storage and use of all effluent and manures as well as minimising odour and noise off-site. There is also ongoing work on a European level to implement new technologies to reduce emissions and environmental impact and improve welfare. To accuse the poultry sector of being excluded from regulation shows a complete lack of knowledge. | |
| Related: Faeces, bacteria, toxins: welcome to the chicken farm | George Monbiot | |
| George Monbiot also gets it wrong on welfare. In the UK 90% of all chicken is produced to Red Tractor standards and this demonstrates that the chicken has met production standards developed by experts on animal welfare, safety, hygiene and the environment. Farmers take the welfare of their birds extremely seriously, and therefore to accuse the sector of cruelty is absolutely unfounded. | George Monbiot also gets it wrong on welfare. In the UK 90% of all chicken is produced to Red Tractor standards and this demonstrates that the chicken has met production standards developed by experts on animal welfare, safety, hygiene and the environment. Farmers take the welfare of their birds extremely seriously, and therefore to accuse the sector of cruelty is absolutely unfounded. |
| Animals are not routinely given antibiotics – they are used to treat animal disease. Similarly, consumers are protected from inadvertent consumption of harmful veterinary medicines through legally required withdrawal periods. Medicines and vaccines have to be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon. | Animals are not routinely given antibiotics – they are used to treat animal disease. Similarly, consumers are protected from inadvertent consumption of harmful veterinary medicines through legally required withdrawal periods. Medicines and vaccines have to be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon. |
| Poultry meat is the UK’s favourite meat, and will be the most popular globally by 2020. It is not only versatile, affordable, healthy and easy to prepare – it is the most efficient land species. The UK is not self-sufficient in poultry meat. We have fresh imports coming in from several EU countries. Prepared chicken imports are also increasing, predominantly sourced from Brazil and Thailand. It is clear that our industry needs to combat this decline and meet the growing demand.Duncan PriestnerChairman, NFU poultry board | Poultry meat is the UK’s favourite meat, and will be the most popular globally by 2020. It is not only versatile, affordable, healthy and easy to prepare – it is the most efficient land species. The UK is not self-sufficient in poultry meat. We have fresh imports coming in from several EU countries. Prepared chicken imports are also increasing, predominantly sourced from Brazil and Thailand. It is clear that our industry needs to combat this decline and meet the growing demand.Duncan PriestnerChairman, NFU poultry board |
| • It is not just Herefordshire that has allowed the spread of these chicken factories. The small village of Bockleton in Worcestershire is currently fighting a plan to build a factory housing 180,000 chickens within 250 metres of nearby residents, the village church and war memorial. It will put huge HGVs on narrow, winding roads. Cargill (ex-Sun Valley), the US company that processes all these chickens, seems to have no love for the English countryside and the health of the people who live next to the “factories”.Wendy GarrodBockleton, Worcestershire | • It is not just Herefordshire that has allowed the spread of these chicken factories. The small village of Bockleton in Worcestershire is currently fighting a plan to build a factory housing 180,000 chickens within 250 metres of nearby residents, the village church and war memorial. It will put huge HGVs on narrow, winding roads. Cargill (ex-Sun Valley), the US company that processes all these chickens, seems to have no love for the English countryside and the health of the people who live next to the “factories”.Wendy GarrodBockleton, Worcestershire |
| • Feeding Britain’s growing population is the question we must answer during this parliament. This is not a theoretical exercise but a reality for millions of households. Poultry is a mainstay in British food production. It provides a wholesome, nutritious, sustainable and affordable source of protein, produced by an industry unsubsidised by government. Chicken is the country’s most popular meat, trusted by consumers as a staple for the dinner table. Moreover, poultry has risen in price more slowly than any other meat over the last three decades. | • Feeding Britain’s growing population is the question we must answer during this parliament. This is not a theoretical exercise but a reality for millions of households. Poultry is a mainstay in British food production. It provides a wholesome, nutritious, sustainable and affordable source of protein, produced by an industry unsubsidised by government. Chicken is the country’s most popular meat, trusted by consumers as a staple for the dinner table. Moreover, poultry has risen in price more slowly than any other meat over the last three decades. |
| The British poultry industry does not compromise on the values it shares with consumers, of producing affordable meat in a humane and responsible manner. | The British poultry industry does not compromise on the values it shares with consumers, of producing affordable meat in a humane and responsible manner. |
| We welcome the debate around sustainable development and are committed to being a major part of the UK’s self-sufficiency in food production for the foreseeable future.Andrew LargeChief executive, British Poultry Council | We welcome the debate around sustainable development and are committed to being a major part of the UK’s self-sufficiency in food production for the foreseeable future.Andrew LargeChief executive, British Poultry Council |
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