Sodexo USA, one of the largest foodservice companies in the
nation, announced today that it would enhance its corporate
animal welfare policy by switching to 100 percent cage-free eggs. Sodexo
had already transitioned to cage-free suppliers for all 39 million shell eggs
it purchases each year, and this latest announcement expands the policy to the 20 million pounds of liquid eggs
purchased annually by the company. The transition to cage-free liquid eggs will
take place over the next five years. Combined, these efforts will spare one million birds per year the suffering of extreme confinement in battery cages.
Sodexo’s policy change also extends to cows and pigs: the company
will phase out veal crates, which cruelly cramp calves, by 2017; phase in pain
management for excruciating mutilations, such as castration and dehorning; and
eliminate tail docking whereby workers slice through animals’ sensitive nerves and
tail bone. Sodexo previously committed to eliminating gestation crates, which
prevent pigs from even turning around, by 2022.
Not only is Sodexo’s action significant because the company
manages dining operations at thousands of colleges, hospitals, and corporate
cafeterias across the country, but also because it reinforces the trend by
massive corporations to implement more comprehensive, multi-animal welfare
policies. At the same time, Sodexo’s announcement sets a powerful precedent for
its competitors.
Mercy For Animals is proud to have supported the efforts of The Humane League that led to today’s victory. Our members
contributed by reaching out to the company via calls and social media, proving
that companies do respond to consumers’ demands.
Just a few months ago, Mercy For Animals persuaded Nestlé,
the largest food company in the world, to implement the most sweeping corporate
animal welfare policy to date, affecting animals in 7,300 supplier
operations in 90 countries. Starbucks announced a similar
policy shortly after. These announcements signal a new era in corporate
responsibility—not just for these companies, but for the entire food industry.
It’s time for Walmart to take this cue and eliminate
gestation crates for pigs. Visit WalmartCruelty.com
to sign and share our petition calling on the company to allow pigs the room to
turn around and engage in other basic movements.
And remember, by choosing humane vegan foods we can spare
countless animals from the misery of factory farms. Visit ChooseVeg.com to order your free Vegetarian Starter Guide.