Poultry industry debunks chicken color and hormone myths

Experts explain that the colour of chicken meat is determined by breed and diet, not by whether the birds are free‑range or industrially reared. As DAP specialist Jaime de las Heras says, “El color del pollo depende de la raza y la alimentación, no de la forma en la que ha sido criado.” The yellow hue comes from carotenoids in corn, while wheat‑fed birds appear whiter. CEO Carlos Porta of Carnes del Corral adds that artificial pigments can also produce bright yellow skin, but colour alone does not indicate quality.

Claims that hormones are injected into poultry are unfounded. Dr. Tharwat El‑Zeiny, vice‑president of the Egyptian Poultry Producers Union, states, “No hay hormonas en el pollo; está prohibido en muchos países.” Studies show growth differences stem from genetics and modern nutrition, not hormonal treatment.