FAQs
No, definitely not!
No chickens produced by any of Astral’s poultry operations are injected, fed or in any way whatsoever subjected to hormones. In order to obtain the desired growth and weight targets, a perfect combination of superior genetics, scientific nutrition and best farming practices are ethically applied. Be assured that eating our chicken products is perfectly safe for you!
No, not entirely true!
Our fresh chicken, never frozen, is 100% natural. In fact, excess moisture is removed from fresh chicken through an air chilling process before being packed. However, we do flavour enhance IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) portions with a water based brine, to improve meat tenderness and succulence by means of a scientifically applied injection method.
Not true at all!
In Astral, our chickens are raised in large poultry sheds designed to keep them as comfortable as possible. The disinfected floors are bedded with wood shavings, sunflower husks or wheat straw which allows them to scratch and move around as they please. Our chickens also have unrestricted access to light, clean water and nutritious feed 24 hours a day.
No, only approximately half of the ration is maize!
Maize, the main energy source in a chicken’s diet, comprises approximately 50% of the feed ration. In addition, specially formulated protein ingredients, together with key vitamins and minerals, are added to create the perfect balanced diet. This is then fed to our chickens in the form of easily digested crumbles or pellets.
No, not entirely true!
Antibiotics are administered to our chickens when necessary through feed intake and under the strict guidance of a registered veterinary practitioner. It is standard practice to withdraw antibiotics from feed according to the manufacturers’ guidelines. This is done at least five days prior to slaughter to ensure no residues remain in the meat. Astral additionally tests the livers and muscles of slaughtered chickens through an independent laboratory for traces of antibiotic residues. This practice ensures that no antibiotic residue reach the consumer.