US-based McDonald’s plans to stop using eggs from chickens raised in cages in the US and Canada over the ten years. This may leave a major impact on the egg industry given that the restaurant chain annually uses two billion eggs in the US, and 120 milion in Canada.
This move is part of the chain's efforts to boost its image, especially as animal-rights activists have urging it to make its supply chain more humane.
In August, the chain dropped a Tennessee poultry supplier following reports of abuse at tthe latter's farm.
McDonald's USA president Mike Andres said: "Our customers are increasingly interested in knowing more about their food and where it comes from."
Over the last four years, approximately 10% of McDonald's egg supply in the US has been cage-free and now it intends to take this figure to 100%.
This will leave a major impact on the egg industry as other food companies such as Starbucks, Nestlé, Aramark, Burger King too have made similar announcements.
Currently, less than 10% of the egg-laying hens are cage-free in the US.
