I was thrilled to read earlier this month that
Kraft Foods announced it would source 1 million cage free eggs in 2011. While many in the animal rights world scoffed at the (largely symbolic) gesture -- because after-all
cage free eggs are still produced under unspeakably cruel conditions-- the announcement itself is important. Why? Because it means that giant food companies are listening to us.
They're listening to vegans and to animal rights folk. But they're also listening to omnivores. I believe that everyone - no matter whether they're vegan, vegetarianism or meat eating - wants to live in a world where cruelty is increasingly crowded out. This initial effort by Kraft should be applauded, and we should maintain the pressure on them to continue advancing animal welfare policies.
To that end I immediately crafted a "Thank you" note and sent it to Kraft
via its Web site. Today I received the following note back. And while it's laden with PR speak (I should know; I'm a PR guy :-) the message is clear: Kraft knows that the welfare of egg laying hens is of concern to its customers. And the company is acting under pressure to alleviate some of the concern.
It's a good first start. Please, if you feel strongly about this announcement then
contact Kraft and thank them for this initial start, and press them to continue advancing policies that reduce suffering inherent to food production.
Hi Rob,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us about Kraft's Foods Cage-Free purchase. Here at Kraft, we understand that the welfare of egg laying hens is a concern for consumers and customers (especially in the U.S. and E.U.). That is why we will purchase 1 million cage-free eggs in 2011.
Animal welfare is important to us, so we require all our facilities and our direct suppliers' facilities in the U.S. and E.U. that manage live animals to meet government regulations and industry standards on animal welfare.
No matter the facilities or raising methods used, we require the humane treatment of hens and promote continuous improvement in our supply chain. Commercial and academic research continues to explore the impact of different egg-laying systems on not only animal welfare, but also on the environment and consumer pricing. We will continue to monitor research and evaluate future purchases accordingly.
Kim McMiller
Associate Director, Consumer Relations
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