February 15, 2023

McDonald's now sources 100% cage-free eggs in US

McDonald's announced this month that the company has achieved its goal of sourcing 100% cage-free eggs in the United States two years ahead of schedule.

The quick-service chain set the original 10-year goal in 2015 to improve animal welfare in its supply chain, and has been working toward achieving it ever since, in partnership with Cargill and its egg-producers.

"Our journey to move to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs in the US was a huge undertaking — made uniquely possible by our owner/operators, Cargill and their egg producers, and our supply chain working together as one team," Bob Stewart, senior vice president (North America) and chief supply chain officer with McDonald's, said in a statement. "I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together and the positive impact we will continue to make on the path toward a more sustainable future."

According to the original 2015 announcement, the goal was to shift to cage-free eggs in both the US and Canada.

McDonald's stated that under its new cage-free commitment, hens will be housed in farms that will give them access to perches, scratch areas and nests, and each farm has a staff veterinarian who will attend to the chickens to ensure that they have a high level of care.

The goal was reached with the help of animal welfare experts and academics, who were able to help renovate farms and implement new technology to ensure the improved welfare of the chickens.

- Nation's Restaurant News