Jan. 15--Mondelez International, the global snack-maker headquartered in Deerfield, announced Friday that it would transition to using only eggs sourced from cage-free hens in the U.S. and Canada by 2020.
Mondelez is the latest company to make the move as the egg industry continues its shift to a cage-free future. Pressured by animal welfare activists and consumer demand, food companies have been making similar announcements almost every week in the past year.
Mondelez will also move to cage-free eggs in Europe by 2025, the company said in a news release Friday.
It's part of a continued effort to change the perception of a company largely known for making Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, as more consumers seek healthier alternatives to processed food.
"We're making great strides in ensuring sustainable and responsible production of our products and sourcing of our ingredients," Jonathan Horrell, director of sustainability, said in a statement.
"We ultimately want all eggs to be produced cage-free, and we'll continue to advance conversations with suppliers to establish timelines for cage-free production in other regions, when we have evidence that commercially viable supplies are available," Horrell said.
Earlier this week, Denny's restaurant chain said it would switch to only cage-free eggs within 10 years. Companies like McDonald's, Panera Bread, Burger King and Taco Bell have all promised the same.
Despite the recent movement, cage-free eggs still represent a small percentage of the egg industry, although that's sure to change in coming years with increasing demand.
Cage-free systems are considered more humane, but they have their own challenges. For example, hens are more likely to kill and eat one another in cage-free systems, recent research shows.
gtrotter@tribpub.com
