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Marks & Spencer has announced it is now only selling slower-reared fresh chicken across its UK stores, becoming the first national retailer to do so. In line with the Better Chicken Commitment, the retailer has moved to a Hubbard breed which will also benefit from higher welfare standards. These include a multigrain diet, designed to support slower natural growth and muscle development, while also ensuring the best flavour for consumers. Birds will also have 20% more space alongside an enhanced environment, with more pecking aids and perches to encourage natural behaviours. M&S says that the move builds on its already “market-leading” animal welfare standards. Mike Baker, CEO of RSPCA Assured, said: “M&S’s move to offer 100% slower-reared, RSPCA Assured fresh chicken is the biggest positive change to chicken farming in a generation. The positive impact this will have on M&S’s chickens is enormous, allowing these alert and curious birds more comfort and freedom to enjoy their natural behaviours.”