Leading food companies across the EU sent a joint letter to the EU Commission and Members of the EU Parliament, calling for a phase out in the use of cages in farming, starting with enriched cages for laying hens.
Companies including Aldi Nord, Nestlé, Unilever, Barilla Group, Fattoria Roberti (an egg producer), Ferrero, Inter IKEA Group, Jamie Oliver Group, Le Groupement Les Mousquetaires (French retailer), and Mondelēz International, co-signed the letter which emphasises that the business case for phasing out enriched cages for laying hens is strong, particularly at EU level. The letter said: “cage-free systems are widespread, economically viable, and provide better living conditions for hens”.
The signatories stressed that the revision of the animal welfare legislation, which is currently under preparation, is the ideal opportunity to end the use of cages in animal farming across the EU – starting with caged laying hens. They also stated: “we are ready and willing to share our expertise and collaborate on achieving that goal”.
Dr Tracey Jones, Director of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming added: “It’s great to have these leading businesses supporting our call to phase out cages for laying hens across the EU, but given Brexit, we must maintain pressure on the UK government too.”