Pret's Broken Chicken Promise Sparks Outrage

Customers are boycotting Pret A Manger stores due to an alleged broken promise concerning chicken welfare standards. The company has postponed its commitment to cease using "frankenchickens"—birds bred for extremely rapid growth that often suffer from chronic pain and deformities—from its original 2026 target to 2032.

Animal-welfare campaigners criticize this extended 14-year delay, accusing Pret of backtracking on its word. The company faces significant social media backlash, with over 2,200 customer comments expressing anger and concern. A public drive has been launched against the delay, supported by public figures like Dame Joanna Lumley and comedians Sara Pascoe, Diane Morgan, and Kerry Godliman.

Pret stated it adheres to the Better Chicken Commitment, meeting five of its six standards and having a roadmap for the sixth. However, an audit indicated zero scores for breed welfare. The RSPCA identifies fast-growing broiler chickens as a serious UK animal-welfare issue, with around 1.1 billion reared annually. Other major chains also use these breeds, but Pret is specifically targeted for delaying its previously announced pledge.

In response to the ongoing controversy, approximately 74,000 individuals have signed a pledge to stop or reduce their patronage of Pret. Activists have organized protests, including placing a mock frankenchicken outside stores and delivering a "birthday card" to Pret's first shop on its 40th anniversary, urging the company to uphold its animal welfare responsibilities.