What exactly is "fast-grown chicken"? A rational look at its farming and safety

On November 23, 2012, the media exposed that a company's farmed chickens went from hatching to being served on the table in only 45 days, raised on feed and drugs, and this company was a major supplier to fast-food businesses such as KFC and McDonald's. Later, the media once again exposed news that some white-feathered chicken farmers illegally used multiple antibiotics and banned hormone drugs to accelerate the growth of white-feathered chickens. Some well-known domestic meat and poultry product supply enterprises and well-known chain catering enterprises were all drawn into this controversy.

For this reason, a person from a poultry industry association explained that the "fast-grown chicken" reported by the media is what ordinary people call "fast large chicken." This is a breed introduced from abroad, and it can absolutely reach the effect of being ready for market in 45 days under appropriate conditions. The reason it grows much faster than local domestic chickens is, besides the factor of breed, the more important key is "reasonable nutrition," with a different feed ratio at each growth stage. If raised strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture, without adding substances that affect health, 45-day fast-grown chicken can be safely eaten. The advantages of "fast large chicken" are fast growth, large size, tender meat, quick market availability, and low price; the shortcoming is a certain loss of taste. The relevant person in charge of the China Animal Agriculture Association "cleared the name" of the white-feathered chicken in the "fast-grown chicken" incident, clearly pointing out that the chicken in the "fast-grown chicken" incident is "not guilty," and the root of the problem lies in the illegal use of drugs by a small number of farmers.

(Excerpted from "Guide to Safe Production and Consumption of Agricultural Product Quality")