Celebrities such as Joanna Lumley and Chris Packham have urged Nando's to introduce "a sector-leading commitment to protecting Britain's rivers" amid pollution concerns.
The pair are among the signatories of an open letter to the restaurant chain that alleges its chicken sourced from suppliers is "killing our rivers". Campaigning body River Action UK - which has released a copy of the letter through its website - states that the group are calling on Nando's to "clean up its supply chain" and "tackle its contribution to severe river pollution".
Among the other signatories of the letter are Dominic West, Jo Brand and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. It's also signed by representatives for organisations including River Action UK, Save the Wye and the Rivers Trust.
The letter references the River Wye, which it's previously been suggested is at risk from agricultural pollution. Back in 2022, for example, it was reported that the river was suffering from its location at the centre of "intensive poultry production," with it stated at the time that manure from the birds is spread on the land as fertiliser "at such high levels" that when it rains it is washed off into tributaries.
The letter to Nando's UK and Ireland CEO Mark Standish states: "Millions of Brits have shared countless 'cheeky Nando’s' moments. Nando's is a British icon - which is exactly why we need to talk. Your chicken is killing our rivers. The Wye used to be one of Britain's most beautiful rivers. Now? It's turning into a brown, lifeless mess - killing wildlife, destroying habitats, and even making local children sick after swimming. The culprit? Pollution from factory farms that supply chicken to major restaurant chains like you.
"This is where your responsibility lies as CEO of Nando's. You are buying chickens from massive factory farms and their waste is absolutely destroying Britain's rivers. The good news is that you've got the power to help fix this. Nando's isn't the only company buying these chickens - but as one of Britain's most-loved brands, when you make moves, others follow. You could revolutionise how restaurant chains source their produce."
It continues: "You keep telling us that sustainability 'isn't just a buzz word' for Nando's. It's time to walk the walk. Local children from the River Wye reached out to you about this. Hundreds of people commented on your social posts. In response, you've quietly deleted the web page that told everyone where your chicken comes from, and now claim your supplier assures you they're not spreading waste on chicken farms in the area. But where's the proof it's not ending up in our rivers?
"We need real answers, not just PR speak. Like you did with your Better Chicken Commitment, we're asking you to design and implement a sector-leading commitment to protecting Britain's rivers in your sustainability policy. The future of Britain's rivers - and your reputation - depends on your response."
In a statement in response to the letter, Nando's said: "We care passionately about the environment and having a positive impact. We have a water policy in place for all our chicken suppliers. We will meet with River Action and we are happy to discuss with them how this might be further improved.
"We are not polluting the River Wye, and our supplier has assured us that no manure is spread, stored or otherwise disposed of on any of the chicken farms we source from. We will be conducting an independent third-party audit to provide further assurances."
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