A pale color does not automatically mean the chicken is unsafe or unhealthy. It simply reflects an industrial production system built for volume and speed rather than natural movement or varied diet. That farming model shapes both the texture and appearance of the meat.
Why other chicken turns yellow
Golden or yellow toned chicken often comes from a different feeding pattern. Diets that include corn, marigold, or plants rich in natural pigments give the meat a warmer color. Birds that spend time outdoors, pecking grass and insects, also tend to develop firmer flesh and deeper flavor.
However, color can be engineered. Some producers adjust feed specifically to create that yellow hue because shoppers associate it with better quality. In those cases, the chicken may still come from intensive farming despite the traditional looking color. This is why relying only on appearance can be misleading.