McDonald's Board Nixes Use Of Cage-Free Eggs In U.S.
While most of their competitors are at least paying lip service to the idea of using cage-free eggs in their food, the board of directors for McDonald’s telling shareholders to vote against a proposal that would require McD’s to use at least 5% cage-free eggs in its U.S. restaurants.
In a statement, here’s how the board explained their decision:
As we have examined this issue over the years, we have deterÂmined that there is no agreement in the global scientific comÂmunity about how to balance the advantages and disadvantages of laying hen housing systems.
McDonald’s says it believes the current “battery cages” used by most of their egg providers, which provide each hen with 72 sq. inches with space, are sufficiently humane.
This is in stark contrast to McDonald’s European operations, which have committed to using 100% cage-free eggs by the end of the year. Of course, that may have something to do with the European Union’s passing of a law that will outlaw the use of battery cages beginning in 2012.
McDonald’s Board Opposes Cage-Free Eggs for U.S. [NY Times]
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