Kraft Heinz plans to source the eggs for its North American operations entirely from cage-free hens within the next decade.
The food giant, which primarily uses those eggs for mayonnaise, dressings and other products in its sauces division, said that the transition to cage-free eggs by 2025 reflected broader sustainability and corporate responsibility goals in the wake of its 2015 merger.
The company said it defines "cage-free" as a facility that allows hens to walk, nest and engage in other behaviors in an open area.
“Making the move to source our eggs exclusively from cage-free hens builds on progress made by both Kraft and Heinz in previous years and reinforces our continuing pursuit of animal welfare improvements throughout our supply chain.” said Kraft Heinz Senior Vice President of Corporate and Government Affairs Michael Mullen.
The announcement follows similar moves by large food companies, prominent restaurant chains and many of the nation's top egg suppliers as consumers increasingly demand improved treatment of food animals in agriculture.
