Volume 36, No. 2
Cage Free Eggs for US McDonalds?
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 determined that there is no agreement in the global scientific community 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.
By Chris Morran on April 15, 2010 at www.consumerist.com
For informational purposes only - not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor an endorsement by the American Nutrition Association®. Use permitted for non-profit and non-commercial uses or by healthcare professionals in their practice, with attribution to www.AmericanNutritionAssociation.org. Other use only with written ANA℠ permission. Views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the ANA℠. Works by a listed author subject to copyrights as marked. © 2010 ANA℠
The size of a "battery cage" in perspective
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.
What do you think is humane? 72" square inches is less than the dimensions of a sheet of paper. This is the size of the cage that the chicken lives in 24 hours a day. Too small to open its wings or turn around.
[Paper = 8.5" x 11" = 93.5 square inches, roughly 30% larger]