WitchHazel Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 Hi, we have a new Nandos (portugese spiced chicken) restaurant open up near us, and one of my friends really wants to go. I've had a look at their website to see what welfare standards their chickens have, and this is what they have to say: "Nando’s uses A Grade, barn-reared chickens, which are sourced from the UK, with the exception of some of our chicken breast fillets, which are sourced from Holland. Our chicken is supplied to us fresh, never frozen from Faccenda the 2nd largest supplier in the UK and our Halal chicken from Freemans of Newent. Nando’s chickens are housed in straw-bedded, well-ventilated barns and they have constant access to food and water. They are fed non-GM feed and are free from antibiotic growth promoters. We can assure you of this because our producers adhere to strict standards laid out by the ACP (Assured Chicken Production) and are also regularly audited by our own Welfare team. Our business is chicken, and their health & happiness is a priority for us, because any problems for our chickens is a problem for us" Here's a link http://www.nandos.co.uk/?%22/frame/CU/Contact_Us.html%22 This obviously isn't free range, it sounds more like the Barn system which the BHWT says is acceptable. http://www.bhwt.org.uk/barnvfree.html I was going to email Nandos to ask them about the space each bird has, but that sounds a pretty daft question, and one where it would be easy for them to fudge the answer anyway. Do I accept that the chickens are reasonably well kept (as we aren't in an ideal world of everything being free range), or is there something more I should be asking them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 Spooky that you should post this today WitchHazel! I went to Nandos for lunch today! First time ever! I wasn't too sure about the chicken either so had a halloumi cheese and mushroom burger with chips Still not sure about the chicken, so would probably have the veggie option next time too!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 I've got to admit that I'm doing the same these days Christian. That said their text does seem fairly reassuring, but then aren't all chickens raised for meat raised in barns.......that is of course if they're not free range. Barn being preferable to battery surely only applies to chickens raised for egg laying . I may well be confused here though . They do make their barn sound nice with straw bedding, ventilation and food and water............appalling that we can't just take that for granted , but I'm still not entirely convinced. Sorry, just a cynic here I know, but these days I prefer not to eat meat that may have been intensively reared. I'd definitely avoid the chicken breasts......... not keen on importing meat from Holland Sorry, I'm not very helpful I know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 Not convinced here either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 My grandparents used to rear their own chickens for meat, and I know that their free range chickens always had dark leg meat, something to do with the exercise they get. My uncle always used to refuse the leg meat because he thought all chicken meat should be light Maybe this is why they will be, in most instances, barn reared? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 Hi, we have a new Nandos (portugese spiced chicken) restaurant open up near us, and one of my friends really wants to go. I've had a look at their website to see what welfare standards their chickens have, and this is what they have to say: "Nando’s uses A Grade, barn-reared chickens, which are sourced from the UK, with the exception of some of our chicken breast fillets, which are sourced from Holland. Our chicken is supplied to us fresh, never frozen from Faccenda the 2nd largest supplier in the UK and our Halal chicken from Freemans of Newent. Nando’s chickens are housed in straw-bedded, well-ventilated barns and they have constant access to food and water. They are fed non-GM feed and are free from antibiotic growth promoters. We can assure you of this because our producers adhere to strict standards laid out by the ACP (Assured Chicken Production) and are also regularly audited by our own Welfare team. Our business is chicken, and their health & happiness is a priority for us, because any problems for our chickens is a problem for us" Here's a link http://www.nandos.co.uk/?%22/frame/CU/Contact_Us.html%22 This obviously isn't free range, it sounds more like the Barn system which the BHWT says is acceptable. http://www.bhwt.org.uk/barnvfree.html I was going to email Nandos to ask them about the space each bird has, but that sounds a pretty daft question, and one where it would be easy for them to fudge the answer anyway. Do I accept that the chickens are reasonably well kept (as we aren't in an ideal world of everything being free range), or is there something more I should be asking them? the bit i have highlighted in red would concern me. Hellman's use battery eggs from Holland in their mayonnaise and I suspect if the chicken breast comes from Holland then it's standard of living would be questionable. I'd be tempted to e-mail the people at 'chickenout.tv' and ask their opinion as they definitely have the welfare of broiler chickens at heart and will possibly have a 'hit list' of producers....they might know more about these 'Faccenda' people? If in doubt, I wouldn't eat there full stop but that's a personal decision. I definitely would NEVER eat anywhere that served Halal meat as it is a very cruel way to slaughter an animal, they are left to bleed to death- see this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2977086.stm Good luck in finding out anyway and keep us updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 I definitely would NEVER eat anywhere that served Halal meat as it is a very cruel way to slaughter an animal, they are left to bleed to death- see this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2977086.stm Good luck in finding out anyway and keep us updated. I agree Poet. Too many restaurants and eating places sell this type of meat without telling you. I think places should be made to display a sign if they serve halal meat. Maybe we should start a campaign, something like "If in doubt - veg out!" to grab peoples attention to this. I am sure most media/politicians wouldn't want to go there because of the religeous conotations though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 If in doubt, I wouldn't eat there full stop but that's a personal decision. The veggie option was delicious!! The halloumi cheese was hand crafted by virgins on the island of Cyprus, blended from free range sheep and goats' milk, lovingly tended by angels. They were played classical music at each milking and slept on beds of sweet straw. Not just any straw, this is the softest, comfiest straw cut by cherubs on the straw plains of Cyprus. And not just any mushrooms, these mushrooms were grown on manure from free range sheep and goats, lovingly tended............ I still wouldn't eat the chicken!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 The halloumi cheese was hand crafted by virgins on the island of Cyprus, blended from free range sheep and goats' milk, lovingly tended by angels. They were played classical music at each milking and slept on beds of sweet straw. Not just any straw, this is the softest, comfiest straw cut by cherubs on the straw plains of Cyprus. And not just any mushrooms, these mushrooms were grown on manure from free range sheep and goats, lovingly tended............ Christian You just had me in stitches..............I'm sold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 I definitely would NEVER eat anywhere that served Halal meat as it is a very cruel way to slaughter an animal, they are left to bleed to death- see this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2977086.stm Good luck in finding out anyway and keep us updated. I agree Poet. Too many restaurants and eating places sell this type of meat without telling you. I think places should be made to display a sign if they serve halal meat. Maybe we should start a campaign, something like "If in doubt - veg out!" to grab peoples attention to this. I am sure most media/politicians wouldn't want to go there because of the religeous conotations though. because it's a religious thing I think we'd treading on dangerous ground I do agree they should tell you though, so you can make an informed choice. I would always ask and maybe Christian is right, the only safe option is the veggie option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 Christian - you really must apply for the job of M&S ad scriptwriter.... Marched OH past Nandos on Saturday night just in case he got any ideas. Did not stop to look for a veggie option as was not sure I wanted to be surrounded by people eating chicken. We went to Pizza Express and I had a Fiorentina complete with FREE RANGE EGG (well that is what it said on the menu so am hoping it was...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 There's a Faccenda in Banbury - I won't go near it - truckloads of chooks go in.... Sorry, not for me, if I'm not happy with its provenance then I won't eat it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 I prefer to be like Lesley on this one I usually say that I am a vegetarian as it's easier than explaining to people that to eat meat I have to be comfortable and happy to it's source. So for the moment I will eat meat, not chicken, as long as it's from Waitrose or M&S. I feel comfortable that they respect the same values to animal welfare that I would. That said I probably have it all wrong and have kidded myself into a complete sense of false security Oh, and Christian, I wouldn't try the mushrooms again either A xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FORENSICA Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 I went to Nandos once with my husband and his work mates. I thought that the food was horrible -dry and tasteless..I certainly will not want to go there again and felt rather sick afterwards...And I am sure that the chickens are not free range as it would show on the taste I recon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 I went to Nandos once with my husband and his work mates. I thought that the food was horrible -dry and tasteless..I certainly will not want to go there again and felt rather sick afterwards...And I am sure that the chickens are not free range as it would show on the taste I recon. they're not claiming to serve free-range chickens, just barn reared but the poster is concerned just how good a quality of life a barn reared chicken has. I went to the one in the trafford centre years ago, during my clueless days of broiler chickens and battery hens etc. It was our first and last visit - thought it was tasteless too- you just get presented with a roast chicken and some sauce to dip it in-i could do that at home and probably better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 I am so glad that I am a vegetarian.! Christian.....have you thought about turning your hand to poetry. You have such a way with words! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 Just a quickie response. My question is always about the hidden eggs. So perhaps what egg is used in your mayo, dressings etc. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I's choose the veggie option as well - I'm still veggie when away from home. It is difficult when you are invited out with friends and life's sometimes too short to consider upsetting good friends - compromises have to be made and I would eat (veggie. option) in a place where I didn't necessarily approve of the standards but where the company were making an effort. Our table chickens have dark leg meat, esp. the cockerels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 And yours are so tasty too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel19 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I've eaten in Nando's a few times and thought it was good - the chicken I had was really nice - and as to the halal meat I don't have a problem with it.....i've watched goats being slaughtered this way and they were well cared for and did not seem distressed by the process.......it's a different way of life and we should respect that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovemychooks Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 The veggie option was delicious!! The halloumi cheese was hand crafted by virgins on the island of Cyprus, blended from free range sheep and goats' milk, lovingly tended by angels. They were played classical music at each milking and slept on beds of sweet straw. Not just any straw, this is the softest, comfiest straw cut by cherubs on the straw plains of Cyprus. And not just any mushrooms, these mushrooms were grown on manure from free range sheep and goats, lovingly tended............ I still wouldn't eat the chicken!! Christian, you make it sound so delicious !! I've now taken to making sure any chicken I eat is free range as well as free range eggs (well, not that I ever need them now !!!) Does anyone know if M&S chicken is free range ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 M&S pledge to use only freerange eggs in all their products, I;m not sure whether this extends to their meat though - Buffie may know. Try buying from your local farmers' market - that way you can speak directly to the producer and check on the welfare status of the meat you're buying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted November 27, 2007 Author Share Posted November 27, 2007 (edited) I've eaten in Nandos before, ie before I had thought about keeping chickens, and I've always found the food to be very tasty. I've emailed them and sais I was pleased to read that their chickens are kept in well ventilated barns etc, I described what the BHWT says a Barn chcicken should be able to do, and asked them whether this is true of their chickens. I've explained that I now keep chooks as pets and this has made me much more aware of the issues around chicken welfare. If it turns out that their chickens are kept relatively humanely then I'd like to support them, and if they don't then I won't go there at all. In either case I will write (not email) to let them know, as customer feedback (and spending/not spending) is the only way to encourage "good" organisations and discourage "bad" ones. I appreciate your point Claret, that truckloads of chooks go into Faccienda. I'm not surprised though. Let's say that 40 million of the 60 million Brits eat chicken just once a week, and let's say they all eat quarter of a chicken (not just the breast meat). . That's 10 million chickens A WEEK that are consumed. And of course many people eat only breast, many people eat chicken more than once a week, so goodness knows what the real figure is. Thanks very much for your replies so far, I'll let you know what they say. Edited November 27, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatsCube Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 Call me nieve, but surely if they wernt Barn rearing their hens and were using less human methods they wouldnt make a point of lying about it by producing an ethics statement like that, they would just say nothing at all. At the moment I fell like we are condemning them and saying they are lying and refusing to eat their chicken etc, when should we not be supporting the fact that they are actaully trying to make an effort? For a lot of these chain reastaurants they have to stay cheap to stay in competition with the other chain restaurants of this ilk, I would have assumed that all of them used somewhat unethical methods to source their ingredience, as most of it is shipped in preprepared just reheat and plate, done as cheaply as possible, like Harvesters, Weatherspoons, Whitbreads etc. surly we should be encouraging their methods as they are trying to improve on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I agree with Cat here, and like with the BHWT, and gentle, supportive approach sometime works wonders. I try to support locale, non-chain restaurants. Our local Wetherspoons is a dive and the food is pants too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...