The hormone myth : Busted

The poultry industry in Australia is highly regulated, and therefore maintains high standards across all areas of growing, production, distribution, and consumption.

It’s a fact that most commercial chicken meat production today is farmed intensively, but did you know that this helps to contribute to its very modest environmental impacts? In fact, chicken has the lowest environmental footprint of any meat.

The welfare of chickens is of critical importance to both chicken farmers and chicken processing companies. This is out of respect for the chickens themselves and out of respect for community expectations for the humane treatment of animals.

Meat chickens in Australia are never raised in cages. Australian meat chickens are grown on the floor of large sheds or barns.

Nearly all fresh and frozen raw chicken meat available in Australia is in fact ‘born, bred and raised’ in Australia. Our chickens have been grown on Australian farms, and processed in Australian processing plants, to the strictest of Australian standards.

Even with the best practices, animals can still get sick. That’s why on occasions veterinarians need to prescribe antibiotics. Not treating sick birds and allowing them to suffer would compromise their welfare.

Like hormones, Australian chickens are not given steroids in any way. Their size occurs naturally due to selective breeding and optimal nutrition. Steroids and hormones haven’t been used in the chicken meat industry for more than 60 years.

No need to worry – Australian chickens are not given hormones in any way. Their size occurs naturally due to selective breeding and optimal nutrition. Hormones haven’t been used in the chicken meat industry for more than 60 years.

Cooked chicken offers a wide range of nutritional benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of protein and source of key vitamins and minerals.

Did you know that chicken meat is now the most frequently consumed meat product in most Australian households? Research¹ tells us that Australian consumers select chicken meat for its value, taste, nutrition and versatility. And it’s good to know that chicken has the lowest environmental footprint of any meat.