Denmark seeks national and EU ban on fast-growing turbo chickens after TV2 exposé
Denmark’s nature and animal welfare minister, Christian Rabjerg Madsen, says the government will pursue a national ban on fast-growing Ross 308 “turbo chickens” and work for an EU-wide prohibition, after a TV2 documentary alleged illegal practices at a major Danish producer. The breed, the most common in Danish poultry, grows from about 50 grams to 2kg in 33 days; other breeds take 46 to 63 days, and such rapid growth can damage bones and organs. Madsen also discouraged Danes from buying turbo chickens, while stressing that a ban must still be examined legally and economically.
The documentary, broadcast last week, alleged that producer Christian Tvergaard in North Jutland gave birds only half the legally required daily darkness so they would eat more, and showed secretly filmed footage from a coop. Tvergaard admitted he had made wrong decisions with “no excuse,” saying he had tightened the lighting programme, procedures and roster. The ban idea has cross-party momentum, but Danpo chief executive Klement Hinkbøl Ribergaard warned that banning Danish production while shops and restaurants can still import fast-growing birds would not improve welfare.
Eurogroup for Animals says 95% of EU chickens are raised in intensive systems aimed at the cheapest meat. Its chief executive, Reineke Hameleers, said fast-growing breeds are predisposed to suffering and that Denmark’s move should be followed EU-wide. Animal Protection Denmark chief executive Britta Riis called the breeding “deeply unethical and grotesque,” amounting to systematic abuse, and wants all chickens raised for 56 days, as organic birds are. Animal welfare has dominated Danish debate recently—the last general election was nicknamed the “pig election”—and mink farming is due to end by August 2029 after the government declined to seek an EU exemption.
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