A group of experts has condemned recent claims about Lidl’s chicken products, criticising what they call undue alarmism. The controversy erupted after a non-governmental organisation (NGO) raised concerns, stating that 98% of chicken samples from Lidl Spain had “anomalies.”
The NGO’s report pointed out that out of 6,097 chicken trays sampled from 321 Lidl stores, a significant number showed “white striations” — a condition that, while affecting the meat’s appearance, is not harmful to health. The report claimed that these striations indicated lower-quality meat, prompting concern among consumers about food safety.
Experts push back against report
However, food safety experts have pushed back firmly. Mario Sánchez Rosagro, a food technologist, was particularly vocal, condemning what he called the “alarmist” nature of the report. “These white striations are common in chicken from nearly any supermarket, not just Lidl,” Sánchez Rosagro explained. “They are a result of current poultry production systems. They are not a health risk. It’s a visual defect, not an issue of safety or quality.” He emphasised that, “If you eat chicken, there’s no problem. And if you decide not to, let it be for informed reasons, not fear. Fear-based choices are the worst you can make.”
Similarly, chemist and biochemist José Miguel Mulet criticised the report as a case of “an NGO targeting a major company.” Mulet argued, “First, the claim is contamination, and when that doesn’t hold, they attack nutritional value. The endgame is to pressure companies for money. Lidl’s chicken is safe, full stop.”
Food safety expert Gemma del Caño also dismissed the concerns, stating: “Some confuse animal welfare with food safety, and that misleads the public.” She added, “White striations in chickens are akin to stretch marks in humans — a result of rapid growth, but no risk to consumers and no real impact on nutritional quality.”
A algunos les da por mezclar la seguridad alimentaria con el bienestar animal y eso confunde a la gente.
Son estrías blancas que salen por el rápido crecimiento (como las nuestras) y no supone un riesgo para el consumo ni (aunque lo digan) empeora la calidad nutricional. https://t.co/Ytwp3jgWCp— Gemma del Caño (@farmagemma) November 26, 2024
Lidl should reassess practices that “compromise animal welfare”
In response, the NGO behind the report, the Animal Welfare Observatory (OBA), doubled down, calling the condition “a direct result of exploitative practices in industrial poultry farming.” OBA insisted that Lidl should reassess practices that “compromise animal welfare”. Furthermore, expressing willingness to work with Lidl to find solutions. “Lidl cannot look the other way when it comes to its chickens,” an OBA spokesperson said.
Lidl highlights commitment to quality and sustainability
In response to concerns over chicken quality, Lidl has outlined the origins of the fresh chicken sold in its Spanish stores. The chain sources exclusively from local producers in La Rioja, ensuring proximity, freshness, and a reduced environmental impact. Lidl’s suppliers meet rigorous international standards, including certifications from the International Food Standard (IFS) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The company emphasises that its poultry undergoes stringent quality checks before reaching consumers.
Beyond chicken, Lidl’s commitment to local sourcing extends to products like milk from Galicia and eggs from Zaragoza, reinforcing consumer trust in traceability. The retailer also boasts the “Animal Welfare” seal on its poultry, ensuring humane farming practices—a pioneering move in Spain.