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First campaignMigros ECC

98 % of
Migros chickens
are fast-growing
breeds
— like Ross 308.

These so-called «Frankenchickens» go from chick to 2.5-kilo slaughter weight in 35 days. Their bones, hearts and lungs are not built for that speed. Less than one fifth of the birds can still walk normally on slaughter day. Migros advertises Swiss origin and animal-friendly farming.

→ Press release→ Demand↗ Media assets→ Actions

§01Facts

Sources: NZZ 2024 · Migros Tierwohl-Policy 2025 · Baxter et al. 2021

01Migros chickens (CH) / year
35M¹

~40–45% of the Swiss poultry market.

02Fast-growing breeds
98 %²

Global supply chain, imports included.

03Gait disorders
>80 %³

Ross 308 on slaughter day, at 6 weeks of age.

04Slaughter without CAS
90 %²

CAS is considered the least distressing stunning method.

Complaint filed with the FSVO — pending

«Young chickens that can barely stay on their feet, flailing helplessly on their backs in the litter.» That is the condition captured in footage from a Micarna farm (Migros). The Observatoire du spécisme and Tier im Fokus have therefore filed a complaint with the FSVO: alleged violation of the ban on torture breeding (Art. 10 of the Swiss Animal Welfare Act).

↗ Background · Observatoire article (DE)
Media coverage
Marketing promises are not enough

In March 2026, Migros announced a switch of its Optigal brand to slower-growing breeds.

But:

  • Only 1 of 6 ECC criteria is addressed; the others remain non-binding.
  • Imports remain exempt.
  • Swiss farmers shoulder the cost, while Migros keeps selling lower-standard imports on the side.

Background

→ Our demand to Migros: sign the ECC