If you’ve ever bought a rotisserie chicken at Costco, you may be surprised to learn that its practices are not in line with USDA guidelines. In addition, it’s been reported that Costco’s organic chickens come from Nebraska and are bred for rapid growth. This article explores the ethical issues surrounding Costco’s chicken farming practices.
Contents
Costco’s rotisserie chickens have always cost $4.99 apiece
For shoppers who are looking for the cheapest rotisserie chicken, Costco’s chickens have always been $4.99 a piece. This low price has attracted shoppers and has boosted the store’s loyalty. In fact, Costco sold 87 million rotisserie chickens last year. Since 2010, sales have increased at an average rate of 8%, three times faster than the growth rate of total poultry consumption in the U.S. The chickens have been so popular that Costco has amassed a Facebook fan base of more than 10,000.
While there are a few changes Costco has made in comparison to other conventional chicken companies – it uses more humane slaughter methods and contracts with more humane independent chicken farmers – it is important to remember that Costco is still a major player in the meat industry and relies on similar practices as Big Chicken. Ultimately, the price for consumers matters more than animal, worker, and farmer welfare.
Costco’s poultry farming practices do not meet USDA guidelines
Animal rights groups are urging Costco to sign the Better Chicken Commitment, a global campaign to improve chicken welfare and safety. The Better Chicken Commitment is a voluntary pledge signed by more than 200 companies, including Whole Foods, BJ’s and Burger King. The company also supplies chicken to many other national chains.
Despite its commitment to food safety, Costco does not strictly adhere to the USDA’s requirements for raising chickens. According to Costco’s spokesperson, the chickens raised at Costco are less crowded than conventional chicken and are allowed outdoor access. The USDA’s organic poultry standards mandate that chickens have access to fresh air, shade, and exercise spaces.
The company is currently working on developing a new breed of chicken that is more proportionate to the body. However, the emphasis on breast size often causes the legs to collapse. In addition, Costco announced in December that it would transition to cage-free eggs throughout its global supply chain, although there is no date set for this transition.
Costco’s organic chicken is sourced from a farm in Nebraska
Costco’s chicken comes from a farm in Nebraska, where the company has implemented a variety of animal welfare and sustainability measures. As a result, the company’s chickens are raised in conditions that meet organic food standards. Costco is also a member of the Animal Welfare Audit Program, which monitors the farms’ performance. Some of these practices include a five-stage Controlled Atmosphere Stunning system, tunnel ventilation to improve air quality, and shelter areas to keep chickens out of the elements.
While organic chicken is a great option for many consumers, some have questions about the quality of Costco’s organic chicken. Although most Costco chicken is labeled “organic,” it is important to note that this label does not mean the chickens were raised in conditions that met USDA standards. In addition, some of the farm’s practices fall short of the guidelines set out by the USDA. In some cases, hens are crowded in filthy conditions or are not given antibiotics.
Costco’s chickens are bred for rapid growth
In a recent investigation by the ASPCA, we found that Costco’s chickens suffer from shockingly abusive living conditions. They’re packed together so tightly that they’re unable to move around. They’re also often soaked in their own waste and suffer from painful deformities. Inhumane conditions like this aren’t sustainable, and they’re deceptive to consumers. The company must change its practices to ensure that its chickens are not living in such horrible conditions.
This practice results in chickens that grow too large, which is bad for the animal. As a result, Costco’s chickens are likely to develop muscle myopathy and deformities. Luckily, the company is working to develop chickens with a more proportionate size. The company also announced in December that it would transition to cage-free eggs in its global egg supply chain. However, it has yet to set a deadline for this transition.
Costco’s chicken feed is a viable alternative to conventional chicken
While Costco’s chicken feed is cheap, it doesn’t come without some drawbacks. The company has been sued by animal activists over its practices, and their products have become a controversial topic. In addition, the company is committed to limiting its use of antibiotics, which is often used to treat infections and speed up the growth of poultry. This could lead to an increase in price, though.
In the United States, there are five major chicken producers that dominate the poultry industry. These companies use selective breeding to increase growth rates, flavor, and size. Chickens bred this way have increased six-fold since the 1950s. And with the sky-high demand for chicken in the U.S. – roughly 90 pounds per person – chicken farmers are working hard to meet the demand. Despite this, chicken weights are increasing to keep up with demand. This also allows companies such as Tyson Foods to increase profits by selling heavier parts.
