Cage-Free Egg Transition Corporate Welfare

Corporate commitments to cage-free egg sourcing are transforming laying hen welfare globally.

Key Facts

Over 2000 major food companies have made cage-free commitments affecting billions of hens globally
The European Commission's Farm to Fork strategy commits to phasing out caged laying hens by 2027
Cage-free systems do not automatically guarantee good welfare - management quality is critical
Keel bone fractures, feather pecking and smothering remain welfare challenges in poorly managed cage-free systems
Consumer demand campaigns by organisations like Open Wing Alliance drive corporate commitment uptake

Welfare Considerations

Corporate cage-free commitments represent one of the most significant advances in farm animal welfare policy. Removing the physical constraint of battery cages enables hens to express natural behaviours including wing spreading, nest use and movement. Ensuring high management standards in cage-free systems is essential to realise the welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free eggs as a minimum and RSPCA Assured or organic when possible
Support Open Wing Alliance campaigns for global cage-free commitments
Advocate for the EU cage-free ban to be implemented and enforced on schedule
Ask food service companies whether they have met their cage-free commitments