NEW YORK CITY (June 5, 2025) – Major food companies like Chipotle, Shake Shack and Starbucks are weakening standards as they are running out of time to fulfill their chicken welfare commitments, Compassion in World Farming’s 2024 ChickenTrack report reveals.

ChickenTrack tracks companies’ progress toward meeting the higher welfare requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) and reports on compliance with the science-based criteria behind the BCC that, when met in full, will significantly improve the lives of millions of broiler chickens.

As the 2026 BCC deadline approaches, the new report reveals a mixed picture: commendable progress by a few leading companies, alongside disappointing stagnation—and even backsliding—by some of the industry’s biggest names. Urgent action is needed for companies to fulfil their commitments.

Chipotle, Shake Shack, and Starbucks—once touted as leaders in food ethics—have weakened their commitments or quietly walked back their BCC pledges.

Chipotle: Removed BCC commitment language from annual reports after reporting meaningful progress in previous years.
Shake Shack: Reporting progress but lacks a meaningful timeline of implementation for the BCC.
Starbucks: Originally committed to the BCC in 2016, but has never reported progress and seemingly weakened or removed their commitment in its most recent annual report.

In contrast, Earth Animal, HelloFresh and Whitson’s Culinary Group are ahead of the curve, setting a new standard for transparency and meaningful welfare reform.

Earth Animal: Has made meaningful progress in its "No-Hide" product line, increasing its transition to BCC-compliant chicken by over 70%.
HelloFresh: Reported progress this year, with improvements above its roadmap goals for 2024.
Whitsons Culinary Group: Reported for the first time and is near compliance for environmental factors for the BCC.

Household names such as McDonald’s and Tyson continue to fall short by refusing to adopt the BCC altogether.

“McDonald’s and Tyson have enormous influence over the chicken supply chain in the U.S.,” said Julia Johnson, Head of Corporate and Public Policy at CIWF. “Their refusal to commit to basic welfare improvements is inexcusable and out of step with what consumers increasingly demand—more humane, sustainable food systems.”

Over 230 companies have signed up to the BCC in North America. ChickenTrack 2024 evaluates the progress of 53 companies, including subsidiaries. Over 20% of the total companies committed to improving broiler welfare are reporting progress. Five producers
are committed to and reporting progress toward the BCC, which will help fill the demand for BCC compliant chicken.

Three companies have fully implemented the BCC: Campfire Treats, Evermore Pet Food and Wild Nosh Pets. ButcherBox offers a fully BCC-compliant product line.

The adoption of higher welfare BCC-approved breeds and controlled-atmosphere stunning (CAS) remain two of the most challenging BCC criteria to implement overall. Four companies and three producers committed to the BCC are fully compliant on breed, whereas eight companies and one producer is reporting full compliance on CAS.

Companies can drive progress on their commitments by mapping out their supply chains, securing necessary investments and building long-term partnerships to ensure a smooth transition. Clear, public-facing timelines and regular in-year reporting are essential for maintaining trust with customers, shareholders and investors.

CIWF offers tailored support to help companies develop structured roadmaps, which are crucial for a successful transition. Companies are also encouraged to inquire about the U.S. Working Group for Broiler Welfare, launched in 2021 by CIWF that provides the opportunity for industry leaders to collaboratively approach how to improve broiler chicken welfare through the BCC.

The network helps tackle challenges in the broiler supply chain by exploring practical strategies and creating solutions that will enable progress towards this meaningful commitment, ultimately driving a future where BCC-compliance becomes the industry standard.

Julia Johnson concludes: “The Better Chicken Commitment is the solution to rising consumer expectations for transparency and ethical sourcing. Food businesses and broiler producers alike continue to report improved standards for broilers nationwide. By working together to implement these meaningful improvements, we can drive systemic change and create a future where better welfare isn’t just an aspiration—it's the industry standard.”

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For further information and images, please contact:
Alex Cragun, U.S. Head of Strategic Communications and Initiatives, Compassion in World Farming
Alex.Cragun@ciwf.org

Major food companies committed to improving chicken welfare standards poised to miss 2026 deadlines