“THIS IS NOT JUST FOOD, THIS IS M&S FOOD.”
Marks & Spencer
Chicken Farming Exposed
INVESTIGATION RELEASE: JULY 22ND 2019
Harrowing footage obtained reveals the truth behind high welfare chicken products sold in UK supermarkets, including Marks and Spencer, Aldi and Lidl. The chickens found by investigators displayed clear signs of deformities resulting from selective breeding practices, resulting in crippling abnormalities which render the birds unable to move. Due to the lameness, the birds are left to slowly die on the floor of the barns.
The facility is operated by Hook2Sisters near Lidgate, and is a joint operation between P.D. Hook and 2 Sisters Food Group, the latter supplying Marks & Spencer, Aldi and Lidl according to separate reports. 2 Sisters Food Group was the subject of a previous joint undercover investigation by the Guardian Newspaper and ITV News that sparked a welfare scandal and subsequent suspension of deliveries to M&S, Lidl and Aldi. However, despite the resulting scandal, just one year later 2 Sisters Food Group reportedly was able to expand its operation in Carlisle having secured a new contract with M&S.
2 Sisters boasts RSPCA and Red Tractor approval across its operations. However, the evidence of the lie that is welfare labelling is blatantly apparent. The best treatment and conditions possible is still commodification, and all chickens raised for human exploitation are destined to live short lives or endure endless suffering.
RSPCA, Red Tractor and other attempts at welfare branding are little more than marketing tricks to ease the consciences of otherwise caring consumers.
This investigation is Surge’s second expose of 2019 exposing UK chicken farming practices.