Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

12.9.2023

The Commission requested a scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) addressing the welfare of chickens kept for meat production (broilers) on farm and including the welfare of broiler breeders. EFSA adopted that opinion in December 2022[1], recommending a maximum growth rate of 50 grams per day.

The Commission is considering this recommendation in its work on the revision of the animal welfare legislation. An impact assessment, which will assess the economic, social and environmental impact of the envisaged changes to the EU animal welfare legislation, is currently ongoing.

• [1] EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Animal Welfare, 2022. Scientific Opinion on the welfare of broilers on farm: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7788