“We are aware of a photograph being shared of a price label for ‘SB Whole Chicken’ affixed on Swiss Butchery-branded packaging,” wrote NTUC FairPrice on its Facebook page on Thursday (June 2).
Following a possible misunderstanding on the seemingly high price for whole chickens at its outlets, FairPrice has issued a clarification that the package consisted of organic kampung chickens from one of its concessionaire counters.
FairPrice clarified that the circulating image of the product label is of an “organic kampung chicken” sold at one of its concessionaire counters operated by Swiss Butchery.
The product is priced at S$22.50 per kilo, according to the label’s packed date on May 31, 2022. The product label also showed the product weight of over three kilos as two whole birds were packed together, weighed and priced under the same label, said FairPrice.
“We hope this helps dispel any possible misunderstanding this image may have caused,” it added.
Meanwhile, members from the online community noted that the chicken was still “high class.”
“Probably not targeted at consumption by ordinary lower-income folks,” said Facebook user Jake Ng. “The price of non-organic chicken is S$6.00 per kg; this organic chicken is S$22.50 per kg in comparison.”
“There’s no misunderstanding here. We’re just appalled by the price of S$22.50 per kg for organic kampung chicken sold at NTUC Fairprice,” added Facebook user Angela Lau in a comment with over 240 likes.
“Those concessionaire shops such as Culina do carry and charge more for specialty meat. So, one has to check the per kg price well before ordering,” advised Facebook user Catbaglady Wendy.
According to livestrong.com, organic foods are grown and processed differently than other agricultural products.
Organic chickens are given organic feed and have access to outdoor areas. “They receive a balanced diet and clean housing, thus decreasing the propensity of disease.”
However, the site adds that there is no guarantee that the “organic” label means that the chicken was treated better than the conventional chicken.
“How can you prove that it is organic?” asked Facebook user Nicholas Fanyeong, sharing the same sentiment, while others asked, “How do you know is kampung chicken!” /TISG