Published 11/2/2017

Nestlé announced today that they will extend their cage-free egg commitment globally.

Specifically, Nestlé will transition to only using eggs from cage-free laying hens, including shell eggs and ingredient eggs, globally by 2025. In the US and Europe the transition will be complete by the end of 2020.

Most laying hens are still housed in barren battery cages, where each bird has less space than a sheet of paper to move around. There is nowhere to perch or nest. Cage-free housing systems are a step up. Hens can stretch, peck, scratch, flap their wings, and walk around.

Rachel Dreskin, Head of US Food Business at Compassion says, “Nestlé’s announcement to extend their cage-free commitment globally highlights a dedication to continuous improvement when it comes to the lives of farmed animals in their supply chain. Being that Nestlé is the largest food company in the world, this announcement clearly signals that a world without cages for hens is in sight.”

Nestlé committed in 2015 to going cage-free in the US by 2020. And just last month, Nestlé USA committed to improving living conditions and genetics for chickens raised for meat.

This next step towards a global cage-free egg supply demonstrates animal welfare is a key priority for Nestlé. Compassion in World Farming applauds today’s announcement to improve the lives of laying hens, no matter what country they live in.

We look forward to continued collaboration with Nestlé and other food leaders to reach a 100% cage-free future.

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