"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.
In
addition, the company encouraged 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. ConAgra made the move as part of its
efforts to ensure "appropriate animal care" under its Supplier
Quality Program.
ConAgra
is the latest in a number of food firms making the pledge to go cage-free in
their US egg supply. Last week snack maker Mondelez International said it would
move to cage-free eggs in the US and Canada by 2020. Similarly, last month Nestle
pledged to move to cage-free eggs in the US by 2020. Other cmpanies that have
set a 2025 deadline include General Mills, who announced the target for its US
business in November, and cereal and snack maker Kellogg, who also set out its
own targets last year.
The decision comes as the food industry is under pressure from groups such as the Humane Society of the United States, Mercy for Animals and World Animal Protection, which have successfully lobbied many companies to adopt animal welfare practices.
Fast-food companies have made similar announcements. In September 2015, McDonald's Corp said its 16,000 U.S. and Canadian restaurants would serve only eggs laid by cage-free chicken within 10 years, while Burger King is committed to using such eggs by 2017.
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(Photo courtesy Kevin Quinn, University of Arkansas System Division)
