Morrisons says it has launched a "full investigation" into the treatment of chickens on farms which supply the chain after claims of cruelty from animal welfare groups.
Undercover footage appears to show fast-growing birds deformed and perishing on farms in parts of the UK- the same farms Morrisons use for their supermarket produce.
Those farms supply the Cranswick chicken factory which provides meat for Morrisons labelled as Red Tractor approved, a scheme designed to reassure people of high standards.
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A spokesperson for welfare charity Open Cages said the methods were "cheap and efficient" but that unfortunately, it is "perfectly legal".
The spokesman added "These chicks are born and locked into giant factory farms. And in only 35 days are forced to grow to a monstrous size. Frankenchickens are cheap and efficient.
"Basically all cheap chicken will come from Frankenchicken breeds.
"People look at this footage and they will think that this is an anomaly - they'll ask me if something illegal is happening here but no this is perfectly legal."
The organisation filmed in four intensive chicken farms in May and June.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Cranswick Farm said: "Cranswick takes the welfare of chickens at our farms very seriously and it is always our first priority. After viewing this video footage we are now conducting an urgent and thorough investigation."
The claims have also prompted a response from Morrisons who say they are launching a "full investigation."
In a statement obtained by ITV, a spokesperson for Morrisons said: "We care deeply about animal welfare and require all our suppliers to maintain the highest standards.
"We have asked Cranswick to conduct a full investigation and get back to us."
