Dec. 07--Dunkin' Donuts announced Monday its plan to move toward serving only cage-free eggs over the next 10 years, making it the latest major food company to make the leap.
Though the vast majority of eggs in the U.S. still come from hens in caged systems, the egg industry appears to be shifting toward a cage-free future as companies increasingly yield to the demands of consumers and animal rights activists. Dunkin' Donuts, which made its announcement in conjunction with The Humane Society of the United States, said it will serve only eggs from cage-free hens in the U.S. by 2025.
Such news releases have become commonplace. In recent months, McDonald's, Taco Bell, Panera Bread and food manufacturer General Mills have made similar commitments on varying timelines.
"We have a responsibility to ensure the humane treatment of animals, an issue we know is also important to both our franchisee community and our loyal guests," said Christine Riley Miller, senior director of corporate social responsibility for Dunkin' Brands, in a statement.
Dunkin' Donuts' switch to cage-free eggs will affect about 1.4 million egg-laying hens a year, according to The Humane Society of the United States.
gtrotter@tribpub.com
