Is it true that to de-feather a chicken it’s scalded with hot water while it’s still conscious?! – Claire B, MB

No, Claire, it’s not true. Chickens are processed in a humane way. When the chickens arrive at the processing plants, they are anesthetized with a mild electric current that makes the birds insensitive to pain. Next, the anesthetized birds are passed by a cutting blade that severs the carotid and/or jugular arteries. This whole process takes place in seconds. Later in the process, the carcass is immersed in hot water, and machines with rubber contacts are used to rub the feathers off. For more information about animal care and how Canadian chicken meat gets from farm to table visit chicken farmers.ca.