The debate over ‘turbo chickens’ is gaining momentum in Denmark, where a growing number of political parties want to ban fast-growing chicken breeds over animal welfare concerns. The proposal could transform a major part of Danish poultry farming, but producers warn that a national ban could raise prices and shift production abroad.
Around 70 million fast-growing chickens are produced in Denmark every year. The term, known in Danish as turbokyllinger, refers particularly to the Ross 308 commercial strain, bred to grow from approximately 50 grams to two kilograms in just 33 days.
This rapid growth has made the birds highly productive, but it can also cause health problems, particularly affecting their legs and ability to walk. Animal welfare organisations argue that the conditions in which these chickens are raised require fundamental changes.
Why ‘turbo chickens’ have become a political issue
The debate has intensified following a TV 2 investigation into a poultry farm in northern Jutland. Hidden-camera footage showed chickens receiving only three hours of darkness each day, rather than the six required under Danish regulations.
The revelations have renewed attention to the welfare of chickens bred for rapid growth. Animal welfare organisations, including Anima and Animal Protection Denmark (Dyrenes Beskyttelse), are calling for changes to breeding practices and more space for the birds.
The issue has also gained considerable political support. According to Berlingske, seven parties announced their support for a ban on 27 October, including the governing Moderates, Socialist People’s Party and Social Liberals, alongside parties from across the opposition.
The Moderates have changed their position since 2024, when Parliament rejected a proposal to ban the production, sale and import of Ross 308 chickens. At the time, the government preferred pursuing restrictions at European Union level.
On 28 October, Nature and Animal Welfare Minister Christian Rabjerg Madsen, a Social Democrat, also said he wanted to work towards a national ban, although its legal and economic implications would first need to be examined.
The emerging political consensus has therefore brought the possibility of a ban closer, but no legislation has yet been approved.
Danish supermarkets are already moving away from fast-growing chickens
The debate is not limited to Parliament. Danish supermarkets have been gradually reducing their reliance on fast-growing breeds, although the pace of change varies substantially.
According to a report published by Anima on 20 October, slower-growing breeds now account for approximately 40–45% of chicken sales across the major retailers examined.
At REMA 1000, 85% of chickens sold are no longer fast-growing breeds, while online retailer nemlig.com has reached around 80%.
The situation is different at Salling Group, which operates Netto, Føtex and Bilka. Almost two-thirds of its chicken sales still involve fast-growing breeds, despite an earlier commitment to phase them out of fresh chicken sales by 2025. The company has postponed that deadline until 2028.
Consumer preferences also appear to depend on how much information shoppers receive. In a 2026 experiment by the Danish Consumer Council Forbrugerrådet Tænk, 66% of participants initially chose cheaper chicken. After receiving information about differences in animal welfare, that proportion fell to 38%.
Farmers warn that a ban could shift production abroad
Despite the growing political consensus, Danish poultry producers have raised concerns about the consequences of a national ban.
Jeppe Mouritsen, chair of the poultry sector at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council (Landbrug & Fødevarer), has warned that banning fast-growing breeds in Denmark would not necessarily remove them from supermarket shelves.
Retailers could instead import cheaper chicken produced under different rules elsewhere in Europe, potentially moving production and jobs abroad without achieving the intended improvements in animal welfare.
The industry therefore argues that any transition must involve farmers, supermarkets and policymakers, with enough time and economic support to move towards slower-growing breeds. It also warns that Danish chicken could become more expensive.
Animal welfare organisations acknowledge the risk of increased imports but want the government to prevent this from undermining a ban. Anima has suggested either restrictions on imports, where legally possible, or binding commitments from retailers.
The Moderates have similarly called for a gradual transition, accompanied by continued efforts to introduce common European rules.
The central question is therefore no longer simply whether Denmark should stop producing ‘turbo chickens’, but how a ban could improve animal welfare without merely transferring production to another country.
The government must now examine the legal and economic options before any concrete legislation can be introduced.
