Turkey breeder supplying high-end retailers under investigation for animal welfare

A turkey farm known for producing high-end birds sold during the Christmas season in premium shops and butcheries has been suspended from a food safety certification program following allegations of poor animal welfare and lax biosecurity practices.

Hockenhull Turkeys, located in Lincolnshire, is under scrutiny by the Red Tractor scheme after footage emerged showing workers mishandling birds and neglecting basic hygiene protocols, including a shocking incident of an employee urinating in a turkey pen.

The Spilsby-based farm supplies young turkeys, called poults, to other farms, including one that provides Harrods with turkeys retailing for as much as 170.

A Hockenhull Turkeys representative stated that staff had been suspended while an internal review is conducted. The farm is known for producing turkeys with a rich, gamey flavor often marketed as premium products.

The covert recordings, captured in July and August by environmental group Green Britain Foundation, show workers entering turkey pens without protective measures, failing to use foot dips, and roughly handling the birds.

The farm, owned by international company Aviagen Turkeys, described the footage as deeply concerning and insisted it does not reflect the standards of care and biosecurity normally maintained. The spokesperson emphasized that most employees are dedicated to proper animal care and that the incidents shown were not typical of daily operations.

Independent Review Underway

Red Tractor, which oversees compliance with food safety, welfare, and traceability requirements, has suspended Hockenhull Turkeys certification while an independent investigation proceeds. The organization also dispatched its own assessor to the farm to examine the reported breaches.

Turkeys from Hockenhull are supplied to farms that follow traditional rearing and slaughtering methods, aiming for superior meat qualitya system often referred to as "farmfresh." These turkeys are sold through luxury retailers, including Harrods.

Harrods clarified that it does not directly source from Hockenhull Turkeys, but a farm using their breed of turkeys has begun its own thorough investigation to ensure industry standards are upheld. The supplier complies with guidelines from the Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association (TFTA).

Dale Vince of Green Britain Foundation urged Harrods to halt purchases from Hockenhull and conduct an independent inquiry with publicly released results, stating that anything less would undermine the store's reputation.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), responsible for overseeing farm animal welfare, confirmed it is investigating the matter and reaffirmed its commitment to taking action when welfare legislation is breached.

Author: Benjamin Carter