ConAgra to use cage-free eggs by 2025

US-based food company ConAgra Foods intends to use 100% cage-free eggs in its US products by 2025.

ConAgra Foods senior vice-president Chris Stockwell said: "This decision is part of ConAgra’s ongoing commitment to the humane and safe treatment of animals.

"Since 2011, we have incorporated one million cage-free eggs into our supply chain annually, and today’s announcement reflects the culmination of our ongoing effort to explore cage-free as a viable alternative to traditional egg supplies.

"We believe that not only is this the right thing to do from an animal welfare perspective, but it also allows us to satisfy growing consumer demand for cage-free eggs."

The firm’s supplier quality programme specifies certain expectations for appropriate animal care, and the company continues to expand this programme, ConAgra stated.

The company stated it encourages all its suppliers to buy only from farms that comply with industry guidelines, including those established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Marketing Institute.

ConAgra has become the latest food company to make this commitment amid growing pressure from animal rights activists and consumers.

In December 2015, Nestlé USA announced its plans to use only cage-free eggs in all of its food products within the next five years.

Annually, Nestlé USA uses approximately 20 million pounds of eggs in its food brands, including Häagen-Dazs, Dreyer’s and Edy’s ice creams, Nestlé Toll House cookie dough and Buitoni pasta.

Dunkin’ Donuts also announced plans to serve only cage-free eggs in the US by 2025, after McDonald’s and Yum Brands’ Taco Bell made similar announcements.

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Image: ConAgra Foods has decided to use 100% cage-free eggs in its US operations by 2025. Photo: courtesy of ConAgra Foods.