Retailers, grocers, and foodservice companies the world over
have committed to cage-free egg policies, sparing millions of hens a life of
suffering.
Canada is no exception! Just last week, the Retail Council
of Canada publicly pledged that 100 percent of eggs sold in its member stores would
be cage-free by 2025. Member stores include Loblaw, Metro, Sobeys, and Walmart and represent ALL major
grocers in the country!
This move alone will
spare more than 15 million hens annually from suffering in tiny wire cages.
Restaurants throughout Canada have also gotten on board.
Following discussions with MFA, Tim
Hortons, one of the largest and most influential restaurant chains in North
America, announced a
commitment to 100 percent cage-free eggs by 2025.
In February, CARA,
owner of popular Canadian restaurants Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, Milestones,
Kelsey’s, and East Side Mario’s, and SIR Corp,
owner of nine popular Canadian restaurants, including Jack Astor’s, Canyon
Creek, and Reds, announced similar commitments, effective January 2020 and
September 2016, respectively.
More than 40 other restaurant brands have pledged to go
cage-free in the last few weeks, including A&W, Boston Pizza, Second Cup,
St. Hubert, and all restaurant brands owned by MTY Group. These cage-free
commitments also follow talks with Mercy For Animals in Canada.
Nearly all of the top 10 Canadian chains—or almost
three-quarters of the total restaurant market in the country—have committed to serving only cage-free eggs.
It’s never been clearer that the days are numbered for egg
factory farmers who pack hens into cages so small the birds
can’t walk, spread their wings, or engage in other natural behaviors.
While these commitments are certainly a step in the right
direction, cage-free doesn’t mean cruelty-free. Ultimately, the best way to
prevent animal suffering is to leave meat, dairy, and eggs off your plate.
Click
here for tips on baking egg-free cookies, cakes, and more. For amazing
egg recipes without eggs, go here.