The RSPCA has identified the use of fast-growing chicken breeds as a primary factor in the prevalence of food poisoning in the UK. According to the charity, these specific breeds, which are engineered to reach slaughter weight in a short period, are associated with a 100-fold increase in the risk of contracting illnesses such as campylobacter, a common cause of diarrhea and sickness.

The organization describes these breeds as a 'secret weapon' in the fight against foodborne pathogens, arguing that the physiological stress placed on the birds during rapid growth weakens their immune systems and increases the likelihood of bacterial contamination. The RSPCA suggests that the current industry standard for meat production prioritizes speed and volume over the health of the animals and, by extension, the safety of the consumer.

While the RSPCA advocates for a transition to slower-growing, more robust breeds, the report highlights a tension between animal welfare standards and the economic demands of the poultry industry. The charity contends that the current model is unsustainable and that adopting higher welfare standards would mitigate significant public health risks. The report serves as a push for policy changes that would mandate the use of breeds that grow at a more natural pace, potentially reducing the reliance on intensive farming practices that the RSPCA claims are directly linked to higher rates of human sickness.