Denmark moves to ban fast-growing 'turbo chickens' and urges an EU-wide ban

Hidden-camera documentary

On Tuesday, 27 October, TV2 broadcast a documentary built from hidden-camera footage shot at a farm run by Christian Tvergaard, one of the largest chicken producers in Denmark. The footage showed young birds that were dead or dying, along with birds that could not walk. The documentary said the flock was kept in three hours of darkness for most of its life, while regulation requires at least six hours. It also said the producer kept the lights on to encourage the birds to eat more.

Government response

Danish minister Christian Rabjerg Madsen said he discourages people from buying turbo chickens. He said the government intends to pursue a national ban, adding that the measure has to be assessed both legally and economically. The government also plans to push for a ban at EU level. The producer, Christian Tvergaard, told TV2 that he had made wrong decisions and that he could learn from his mistakes. He said the farm had since tightened its lighting routines and working procedures.

The Ross 308 breed

The Ross 308 breed is the most widespread in Danish poultry production. Reports say these birds grow from about 50 grams to two kilograms in 33 days, while other breeds need 46 to 63 days to reach the same weight. The rapid growth can cause bone and organ problems, and animal welfare organisations and specialists have raised concerns about the effect on the birds' health and mobility.

Industry pushback

Industry representatives warn that a ban limited to domestic production may not achieve the intended results. Clemen Hinkmand Rimbergaard, chief executive of the chicken producer Danpo, argued that any ban must also cover imports. Danish producers said the measure should apply to imported chicks as well. In Portugal, the Ministry of Agriculture said it recognises the importance of the concerns and is following the issue closely.