The Lidl supermarket chain is facing renewed criticism in Sweden over its continued sale of so-called “turbo chickens”—a fast-growing breed linked to animal welfare concerns. This criticism emerges even as Lidl has already begun phasing out these controversial chickens in countries like Germany, France, and Belgium.
Often regarded as a dynamic challenger to major Swedish grocery giants like ICA, Coop, and Willys, Lidl operates 205 stores in approximately 150 locations across Sweden. Yet, animal welfare organization Djurens Rätt (Animal Rights Sweden) argues that the retailer is falling behind its European counterparts when it comes to responsible sourcing of chicken meat.
“Djurens Rätt wants all grocery chains to stop selling turbo chickens. But Lidl, as one of Europe’s largest players, has a unique opportunity to lead the Swedish market in a more ethical direction,” said Tina Hogevik, national chairperson of Djurens Rätt, in a recent op-ed published in Dagligvarunytt.
What Are Turbo Chickens?
“Turbo chicken” is a critical term used to describe breeds selectively bred to grow at an unnaturally rapid pace. This accelerated growth often leads to severe animal welfare problems, including lameness, heart failure, and a constant feeling of hunger due to the mismatch between their metabolism and growth rate. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and numerous animal welfare groups have expressed concerns about such breeds.
Lidl’s European Commitment — But Not in Sweden
While Lidl has made strides in Germany and other countries by transitioning toward slower-growing chicken breeds, Djurens Rätt questions why similar efforts have not yet reached Sweden. The organization is urging Lidl Sweden to adopt the European Chicken Commitment (ECC)—a set of science-based welfare standards developed by leading animal protection organizations.
According to Djurens Rätt, if Lidl Sweden were to make the shift, it could trigger a “domino effect” across the Swedish retail food sector, raising welfare standards for poultry industry-wide.
Lidl Responds: Supply Limitations Cited
In response to criticism, Anneli Bylund, sustainability manager at Lidl Sweden, has reiterated the company’s commitment to animal welfare. Speaking to Syre earlier this year, she said:
“In Sweden, there is not sufficient access to chicken meat from slower-growing breeds. Only a very small portion of the market offers this type of chicken.”
Bylund also noted that all fresh chicken sold in Lidl’s Swedish stores carries the Svensk Fågel (Swedish Bird) label, ensuring that the chickens are raised without hormones or growth antibiotics, have free access to food and water, and are reared loose in heated barns. These farms undergo regular inspections by both the County Administrative Board’s veterinarians and independent oversight bodies.
Critics: Swedish Law Isn’t Enough
Despite Lidl’s assurances, animal rights advocates argue that merely complying with Swedish law is not sufficient. Tina Hogevik asserts that legal standards in Sweden lag behind more progressive animal welfare benchmarks set by the ECC.
“Lidl has proven it can build modern, state-of-the-art stores. Now it’s time to demonstrate it can also take modern responsibility for animal welfare,” she said.
“We urge Lidl Sweden to follow the lead of its European sister companies and put an end to the sale of turbo chickens.”
Industry Context and Next Steps
As of 2024, over 350 companies across Europe—including food giants like Nestlé and Unilever—have pledged to meet ECC standards by 2026. Lidl’s selective implementation of the ECC in different countries has fuelled concerns over inconsistent ethical policies within the brand.
With growing pressure from the public and advocacy groups, the spotlight is now on Lidl Sweden to clarify its position—and potentially set a higher bar for the nation’s poultry industry.