By signing up to the initiative, Papa John’s has agreed to a number of changes, designed to help eliminate some of the worst health problems for the chickens in its supply chain.
Under the commitment, signatories will be required to comply with a range of standards including EU animal welfare laws and regulations, improved environmental standards and the RSPCA Broiler Breed Welfare Assessment Protocol.
The news comes after Papa John’s added several new plant-based options to its menu earlier this year. The company also recently hired a chief vegan officer to advise it on expanding its vegan products.
Since January 2018, more than 100 leading food companies across Europe have publicly committed to meet the standards of the Better Chicken Commitment by no later than 2026. These companies include Compass Group, Marks & Spencer, Kraft Heinz, KFC and Accor.
Liz Williams, managing director - UK & major markets at Papa John’s International, said: “It is every company’s responsibility to ensure the good health, welfare and wellness of all animals throughout their supply chain. At Papa John’s, we are passionate about providing Better Ingredients Better Pizza and, as part of that, are committed to only sourcing products from suppliers with high levels of animal welfare from farm to slaughter.”
Michelle Baxter Wickham, Animal Equality UK’s corporate outreach manager, said: “Papa John’s has shown leadership by extending its US commitment to Europe, in turn eliminating the worst abuses for the chickens used in its menu items. Papa John's is making crucial progress for chickens, and now it’s time for the rest of the food industry, particularly McDonald’s and Subway which continue to drag their feet, to do the same.”
Animal Equality has ongoing campaigns calling for McDonald’s and Subway to implement science-based animal welfare recommendations for how the chickens they use are treated.
Papa John’s signed the commitment after having meetings with both Animal Equality UK and The Humane League UK.