Chicken Sale to Halt in Tamil Nadu from July 31 Over Hygiene Concerns
The Tamil Nadu Chicken Traders Federation announced on Monday that the sale of chicken will be suspended across the state from July 31, 2026. The decision follows continued violations of government regulations by broiler companies, according to the federation president, B. Durairaj.
As per state government rules, broiler feeding must be stopped at least 12 hours before the scheduled delivery time at farm gates. However, the federation alleges that broiler companies have been failing to comply, leading to the transportation and sale of chicken under unhygienic conditions. Repeated appeals to the companies and authorities have not yielded results, prompting the suspension.
The federation stated that the suspension will remain in effect until the companies adhere to the prescribed norms. Chicken traders in Puducherry have also extended their support to the decision, indicating a coordinated stance across the region.
This move underscores the ongoing friction between traders and producers over food safety standards. The government regulation was designed to ensure that chickens are not fed shortly before slaughter, which can affect meat quality and hygiene. The federation's action is a protest against what they describe as systematic non-compliance.
