Cage-Free Egg Transition: Progress and Remaining Challenges

Major retailers and food companies have committed to cage-free sourcing by 2025 but implementation has been slow.

Key Facts

Over 100 major food companies including McDonalds and Unilever committed to cage-free eggs by 2025
By 2023 around 60 percent of UK eggs were from cage-free systems including free range and barn
Global cage-free commitments would affect over 1 billion hens if fully implemented
Barn systems provide more space than enriched cages but may still have welfare challenges including pecking
The transition requires significant investment in new housing that farmers have been slow to make

Welfare Considerations

The shift to cage-free egg production represents significant welfare progress but the quality of cage-free systems varies enormously. Barn systems may have 9 hens per square metre with poor air quality and high feather-pecking rates. Free range systems provide outdoor access but weather, ground quality, and stocking density determine actual welfare outcomes. Producer resistance citing economic pressures has slowed transition. Without enforceable timelines from retail customers, cage-free commitments become aspirational rather than binding.

What You Can Do

Check whether your preferred retailers have set and are meeting cage-free sourcing timelines
Contact food companies asking them to honour cage-free commitments with specific deadlines
Support hens that have moved to cage-free systems that meet RSPCA Assured standards
Advocate for labelling that distinguishes free range from barn eggs so consumers can choose
Reduce egg consumption or choose certified free range from high-welfare farms