US-based confectionery company Mondelez International has committed to source 100% cage-free eggs in the US and Canada by 2020 and in Europe by 2025.
The commitment comes after years of responsible sourcing and sustainable practices that includes consistent care of egg-laying chickens in the supply chain, the company stated.
Mondelez director of sustainability Jonathan Horrell said: "With the ambition of being the global leader in well-being snacks, we're making great strides in ensuring sustainable and responsible production of our products and sourcing of our ingredients. Meaningful commitments such as these take time, in both planning and implementation, but we're very pleased to announce this major step forward in our cage-free sourcing.
"We ultimately want all eggs to be produced cage-free, and we'll continue to advance conversations with suppliers to establish timelines for cage-free production in other regions, when we have evidence that commercially viable supplies are available."
Currently, Mondelez uses 100% cage-free eggs in all of its European chocolate brands and in biscuit products marketed in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The move by Mondelez comes amidst similar declarations by several players in the food industry including ConAgra, Nestle, Kellogg, Dunkin' Donuts and McDonalds, all of which have pledged to use 100% cage-free eggs in their products.
Mondelez's announcement comes just after ConAgra pledged to use 100% cage-free eggs in its US products by 2025.
ConAgra has also undertaken Supplier Quality Program (SCP) which offers guidelines to suppliers on correct animal care and the latest announcement is being considered as an extension to the SCP.
The company is encouraging its suppliers to buy eggs from farms that adhere to the industry guidelines and those that are established by the USDA and the Food Marketing Institute.
The move comes in the wake of increased campaign from animal rights activists and consumer groups to focus on improvements in animals' treatment that provide meat, eggs, and other foods, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Food manufacturers and restaurant chains are being criticized for using eggs from hens raised in small cages, which restrict the movement of the birds.
Image: Mondelez uses 100% cage-free eggs in all of its European chocolate brands. Photo: Courtesy of Mister GC/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
