Öko-Test chicken by Rewe & Lidl fall through

At "Öko-Test", chickens from Rewe and Lidl fall through

25/10/2013

Every year about 1.2 billion chickens are slaughtered in Germany. It does not take much longer than 30 days for the animals to end their lives. Investigations of the consumer magazine „Eco test“ prove that not all products, without a bad conscience, are edible. The result of the 14 fresh chicken drumsticks tested is sobering: germs were discovered and there were deficiencies in animal husbandry. The so-called organic chicken also performed poorly.

Best test result is the grade „Satisfying“
For the investigation has „Eco test“ Nine conventional and five clubs from organic fattening farms tested. In addition, manufacturers have received a questionnaire on animal husbandry, food and medicines. The evaluation did not give good results. Only once was the grade „Satisfied awarded“ Three samples were taken with „sufficient“ rated. Four products were received „inadequate“ and six even one „insufficient. The winner is "Schröder´s organic organic chicken leg fresh "from the manufacturer Schröder´s Organic meat and sausage products ... The price for a kilo is here at 9.90 euros and no harmful germs or antibiotic residues were discovered. The attitude of the animals was not objected. The animals got daylight and green run. However, "eco-test" describes the odor of a sample as "slightly fecal“. Lidl got the grade „insufficient“ and the products of Rewe were with „ Inadequate“ rated.

The "Landjunker chicken thighs with back piece, fresh" of the manufacturer Lidl cut off "poorly". The kilo cost only 2.45 euros, but the test showed that Camphylobacter germs are in the meat. A downer: The products of this manufacturer had no antibiotics residues. However, antibiotic-resistant germs were discovered and the animals did not get any green sprout. The product brand „Yes“ from Rewe with „Chicken thighs with back piece, fresh "fell through the test with the grading „insufficient“ "Öko-Test" found both Salmonella, Campylobacter and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the meat. In the attitude, the testers discovered an enormous lack of space, because the 82,000 animals were kept in only two stables. This corresponds to an attitude of 20.4 animals per square meter. As a comparison: The test winner has 4,800 animals in the stable, which corresponds to nine animals in one square meter. But even this value is not necessarily animal friendly. „Eco test“ also criticizes that the company's own label from Rewe „Pro Planet“, that can be seen on the packaging that is supposed to mislead consumers and inspire confidence. It says only that the feed for the animals "environmentally friendly" and "were grown without genetic engineering" criticized "eco-test". From the actual problem divert it.

Bio also performs poorly
Mast animals generally do not have it well. Even if they are bred as "organic goods". 4,700 animals per stable, 21 kilos of chickens per square meter - this is the life of organic chicken according to EU standards beyond the idyllic consumer image, "reports the Animal Rights Association Watch opposite "eco-test".

Despite label animal cruelty and drugs are to be found
Nevertheless, consumers should resort to organic chicken. Consumers are advised to take a critical look at the individual labels. For example, the label "For more animal protection - entry level" on products "Wiesenhof private courtyard" hardly improvements for the animals. Herds with up to 30,000 animals, without green sprout and the distribution of medicines are for animal rights activists „Qual breeding“. Again, a comparison shows the variety of factory farming: in organic fattening farms a maximum of 4,800 chickens are allowed and each organic chicken is at least four square meters of meadow available. Ultimately, however, it is the consumers who can penalize manufacturers for their breeding habits by using other products. (Fr)