TN Broiler Chicken Traders Threaten July 31 Sales Strike Over Weight Inflation

Broiler chicken traders across Tamil Nadu have threatened to suspend sales starting July 31, alleging that poultry manufacturers are indulging in unfair feeding practices to artificially increase bird weight. While vendors in several districts prepare to halt sales, traders in Chennai are set to take a decision on Wednesday regarding the closure of retail shops in the city, which consumes about 1.24 crore kilograms of chicken daily.

The controversy stems from allegations that producers repeatedly feed broiler chickens in bulk right until the birds are loaded onto transport trucks. Existing government norms mandate that broiler chicken must not be fed 8 to 12 hours prior to slaughter. However, traders state that this rule is hardly adhered to by manufacturers.

B Durairaj, president of the TN Chicken Traders Federation, explained that the continuous feeding practice leads to an artificial weight gain of at least 100 grams per bird. He noted that while the extra feed costs producers around ₹3 to ₹4, traders are charged between ₹10 and ₹12 for that additional weight.

Durairaj added that these inflated costs are further compounded when traders bear logistical expenses, creating a price burden that is ultimately passed along from wholesalers and retailers to final consumers.

Beyond the financial impact, traders raised hygiene and safety concerns regarding the health of the poultry. Repetitive feeding causes improper digestion in the birds, leaving feed stuck in their throats and livers prior to processing.