US fastfood giant McDonald’s may require its processors to use a new method for slaughtering poultry that animal rights groups say is more humane.

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The company is studying “controlled atmosphere killing,” in which chickens are put to sleep with inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, replacing a process in which chickens are hung by their legs on a moving conveyor and pulled through electrified water. Some European suppliers already use the newer method, and McDonald’s will post the results of the study on its web site by 30June.


The move followed an announcement by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that it would propose the issue to a meeting of McDonald’s shareholders.

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