Free Range Chicken Campaign: have we been conned?

At the moment the program that every one is talking about is Hugh’s Chicken Run. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is being accused of conning viewers.

In the show Hugh investigated the chicken farming industry, he set up different types of units as part of the investigation. The units included intensively farmed and free range chickens.

Both of the farms were visited by the Assured Foods Standards, industry watchdog and they found that the units had failed to meet standards, but the footage was cut from the show.

David Clarke, chief executive of Assured Food Standards, told the Sunday Mirror: “When Hugh set up this experiment he told viewers it would run to industry standards.”

“We voluntarily invited the ACP to visit the farm in Hugh’s Chicken Run. There was no requirement for us or any other chicken producers to join the scheme or to have an inspection.” Said a Channel Four spokesperson.

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However, in light of all of this I would say that the show has had the desired impact, a lot more people are now aware of how the intensively reared chickens lifestyle differs from those of free range chickens. The key point that has been learnt is that free range is a better way for chickens to be reared. I say well done to Hugh and the campaign should continue!!