ConAgra Foods, Inc. has joined the cage-free eggs bandwagon in announcing it will work toward a supply of 100 percent cage-free eggs in its U.S. operations by 2025.
“This decision is part of ConAgra’s ongoing commitment to the humane and safe treatment of animals,” said Chris Stockwell, senior vice president and chief procurement officer, ConAgra Foods. “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.”
ConAgra’s supplier quality program outlines specific expectations for appropriate animal care, and the company continues to expand and refine this program. In addition, the company encourages all of its suppliers to purchase only from farms that comply with industry guidelines, including those established by the USDA and the Food Marketing Institute.