Chipotle Promises To Treat Animals Better With New Welfare Guidelines

Chipotle, once a champion of animal rights in the fast-food world, is doubling down on the welfare of chickens following a year of losses for the once-top burrito chain. In a press release, Chipotle outlined goals to be completed by 2024 with the help of Compassion in World Farming USA and The Humane Society of the United States.

These changes include holding their livestock suppliers to a higher standard by demanding improved breeding of birds that are raised with more space and better living conditions, as well as a more humane and controlled slaughter process.

"Chipotle has long been at the forefront of animal welfare issues and enlightened sourcing for our restaurants, and we're proud of our commitment to the evolution of our already high standards for chicken," said Joshua Brau, Food with Integrity program manager at Chipotle.

In 2015, Chipotle's animal welfare practices made headlines when the burrito chain dropped its carnitas supplier after discovering inhumane treatment of the pigs. It took several months for the ground pork product to appear back on Chipotle menus.