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New Investigation of Chicken Slaughterhouse Exposes Chipotle’s Animal Welfare Commitments

Newly released footage from within a Virginia slaughterhouse, operated by poultry supplier George’s Food, LLC, has shed light on Chipotle‘s ongoing struggle to meet its animal welfare commitments. The video, captured by an undercover investigator, exposes the harsh reality faced by chickens in the supply chain of the popular fast-food chain, Chipotle.

The chickens depicted in the video are a common breed raised for slaughter by factory farms, known as “frankenchickens” due to their rapid growth and size. Chipotle had pledged in 2017 to transition away from such breeds, which prioritize growth at the expense of animal well-being, and to adopt more humane slaughter methods by this year. However, the recent footage suggests that Chipotle has fallen short of its own standards.

Paula Tejeda-Moncrief, overseeing investigations for Mercy for Animals, the organization behind the exposé, remarks on Chipotle’s influence within the food industry. She asserts that if Chipotle were to make substantial changes, other companies would likely follow suit. It’s noteworthy that George’s Food, LLC, the supplier under scrutiny, provides chicken not only to Chipotle but also to major national chains like Sam’s Club, Homeland Grocers, and Kwik Stop.

Source: mercyforanimals/YouTube

The video reveals disturbing scenes of live shackle slaughter, a method in which chickens may remain conscious while being slaughtered. This contradicts Chipotle’s sustainability report, which explicitly states the requirement for pre-slaughter stunning to ensure animal welfare. The footage captures instances where birds, evidently conscious, flap their wings as workers proceed to slit their throats.

One of the primary concerns highlighted by the investigation is the breed of chickens utilized in the process. The “frankenchickens,” as they are termed, possess heavier bodies, making their lives before slaughter more arduous and rendering them more prone to injuries during processing. Workers at the facility are reported to have experienced chickens getting caught in machines, resulting in gruesome injuries where only parts of the birds are recovered.

The implications of this investigation extend beyond Chipotle’s animal welfare commitments. Industry observers have previously noted Chipotle’s struggles, citing price hikes and declining quality. The revelation of inhumane practices within its supply chain provides consumers with yet another reason to reconsider their patronage.