Another quick-serve restaurant chain is being taken to task for its use of battery-cage-produced eggs — this time, Dunkin' Donuts.
Animal protection charity Compassion Over Killing said in a press release it contacted the company earlier this year about the treatment of hens in its supply chain and requested the company offer egg-free donuts. When the company did not take the requested action, COK launched the Web site DunkinCruelty.com, which features a video of alleged abuses at Dunkin' Donuts' egg supplier.
COK claims the footage was taken at Michael Foods, one of the country's largest egg producers and a supplier of eggs to several national restaurant chains, including Dunkin' Donuts. An investigator with the nonprofit organization supposedly used a hidden camera while he was employed at the facility last month in order to document conditions for hens in the factory farm.
The video contains disturbing footage, including some hens immobilized in the wires of their cages, unable to access food or water, and decomposing and "mummified" corpses left in cages with live birds.
In response, Michelle King, director of global public relations at Dunkin' Brands, said in the following statement:
Dunkin' Donuts requires our suppliers to adhere to all federal, state, local, and industry standards regarding safety, cleanliness, and animal welfare. As such, we are working closely with Michael Foods to investigate the accuracy and validity of the footage. All Dunkin'T Donuts egg suppliers must follow our corporate standards related to animal welfare and meet or exceed the United Egg Producers (UEP) guidelines, which ensure the proper treatment of laying hens used for egg production. We will continue to review all practices at Michael Foods and determine any appropriate next steps.
According to the UEP Web site, aproximately 98 percent of all layer flocks in the United States are housed indoors and in cages. An independent scientific advisory committee has determined that cage and cage-free production systems both are humane and ethical. The committee has found that depending on the size of the laying hen and the size and style of the cage, hens need space of 67 to 86 inches per bird. Egg farmers must ensure their birds receive feed balanced with the required nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
From the UEP Web site:
Birds in cages have ready access to feed troughs directly in front of the cage and water is accessed easily from each cage. Water must be provided through systems that ensure the hens have access to clean and fresh water at all times.
QSRs using, studying cage-free eggs
In May, Wendy's announced that the chain was beginning to use eggs from cage-free hens in an agreement with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). QSRs Burger King, Hardee's and Carl's Jr. also use eggs from cage-free hens.
In a separate announcement, McDonald's said that it was entering a study to examine housing alternatives for egg-laying hens in the United States, including cage-free housing.
