The massive hike is facing consumers as poultry producers pass on their spiralling prodution costs.

The Irish Poultry Processors' Association (IPPA) last night said the chicken industry is "under savage pressure", with the price of feed for the birds going up by almost 50pc in the past 12 months.

However, the Consumers Association of Ireland has called for ''full transparency'' if the price hike does go through.

IPPA chief Michael O'Connor said a worldwide shortage in grain has resulted in prices going from €230 a tonne to almost €350 in recent months.

So far, there has not been an increase in the price of chicken but Mr O'Connor said this was expected across the board in the coming weeks.

"The producers have been absorbing the cost," he told the Irish Independent.

Source: Independent.ie