Battery Cage to Cage-Free Transition Progress

Global cage-free commitments by major food companies represent the largest industry welfare transition in history; monitoring implementation is critical to realizing welfare benefits.

Key Facts

Over 2,500 major companies globally have made cage-free egg commitments, representing billions of hens
The US cage-free egg production share rose from under 5% in 2015 to over 35% by 2024
California's Proposition 12 requires cage-free eggs from all eggs sold in the state from 2022
Implementation monitoring by organizations like Humane Society shows many companies behind schedule
Cage-free systems vary widely in actual welfare outcomes depending on flock size, enrichment, and management

Welfare Considerations

The global cage-free egg commitment wave represents an unprecedented voluntary welfare improvement by the food industry, but the gap between commitment and delivery remains significant. Many companies that made 2025 commitments are behind schedule. Even completed transitions vary enormously in actual welfare outcome depending on whether cage-free means crowded barn, aviary with perches and enrichment, or genuine outdoor access systems. Monitoring and accountability for cage-free commitments, combined with pressure for meaningful welfare content in cage-free standards, is essential to ensure that the welfare benefit of this transition is fully realized.

What You Can Do

Support organizations monitoring corporate cage-free commitment delivery
Hold food companies accountable for their commitment timelines
Look beyond cage-free to specific certification standards when choosing eggs
Advocate for state and national legislation requiring cage-free standards
Engage with the quality differences within cage-free systems in your advocacy and purchasing