NEW YORK — The Humane League, a global animal welfare non-profit, has released its 2023 Cage-Free Eggposé. This investigative animal welfare report finds that, despite companies pledging to source 100-per-cent cage-free eggs from their supply chains in recent years, some are failing to provide adequate information about their egg-sourcing practices.
Exposing these companies, the Eggsposé highlights the importance of transparency in the food industry and the responsibility of companies to be accountable for the welfare of animals in their supply chains. The report names the following companies as “perpetuating the cruel use of tiny, filthy cages for egg-laying hens in their supply chains”:
- Wendy’s
- Wawa
- Chopt
- InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
- Omni Hotels and Resorts
- Bridor North America
- Gourmet Garage
- Genuine Foods
- Hy-Vee
Within the past several years, increased consumer concern about caged housing systems for chickens has made cage-free reporting the norm for most companies. More than 400 restaurant chains, retailers, manufacturers, hospitality, and foodservice companies — including the largest egg producer in the U.S. — have responded by making public commitments to eliminate caged eggs from their supply chains, and 34.8 per cent of U.S. eggs come from cage-free flocks. Additionally, 10 states are banning the inhumane practice of caging egg-laying hens.
“This report exposes the disturbing reality of the foodservice industry and calls into question the honesty and integrity of the companies involved,” says Kelly Myers, director of Corporate Engagement, The Humane League. “Intense public pressure to end cruel practices in animal agriculture has led to nearly all major food companies in the United States committing to phasing out battery cages from their supply chains. The companies in our report should be able to report progress publicly.”
