- The Financial Times and other publications reported chickens used for Nando's in the UK may be fed algae and insects as part of a plan to reduce the company's carbon footprint.
- But Nando's in South Africa says these reports were based on an "unfortunate misquote".
- It may consider free-range chickens for local use, the company previously said.
- For more articles, go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.
This week, the Financial Times and other publications reported that chickens bound for Nando's outlets in the UK and Ireland may start being fed on algae and insects as part of a plan to sharply reduce its carbon foot print. Its chickens currently eat vast amounts of soya, and soya farming is a big contributor to deforestation.
But Nando’s in South Africa says these reports were based on a misunderstanding.
“As per the FT article our UK Nando’s counterparts are actively looking for more ways to reduce their carbon footprint and further the welfare of the chickens they use in their restaurants,” a Nando’s spokesperson said. “After consulting with them we can confirm however that they and their chicken suppliers have no plans to trial the use of insects or algae in chicken feed and breed solutions. That’s an unfortunate misquote.”
READ | Nando’s introduces fake meat patty overseas – and it smells just like chicken
The group is also not planning to explore the option in South Africa – although it is looking at other ways to reduce its carbon footprint, by using less plastic in packaging and recycling billboard advertising material into school bags and educational tools for needy communities.
The company previously confirmed that it is exploring introducing free-range chicken (where the poultry is free to roam outside and eat natural foods) in South Africa
Nando’s recently launched a plant-based patty in Australia. The “Great Pretender” burger is made from plant-based protein, flavoured with lemon, herbs and garlic, as well as Nando's African Birds Eye Chilli.
READ | Nando’s introduces fake meat patty overseas – and it smells just like chicken
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