News

Cage Match: McDonald's shareholders vote down proposal

August 15, 2010

McDonald's eggs will not be cage-free, after all. Shareholders for the chain voted against a proposal to buy at least 5 percent of its eggs from cage-free facilities.

According to Wisconsin Ag Connection, it was recommended by the company's board of directors that shareholders vote against the proposal.

The Humane Society of the United States proposed a similar resolution in 2009, arguing that cages facilitate undesirable conditions and hamper animal welfare. The HSUS also claimed that McDonald's U.S. operations lag behind their competitors and European stores in transitioning toward cage-free supplies.

Among the quick-service restaurants that have phased-in cage-free are Sonic, Subway, and Burgerville.

The HSUS and PETA made the case to McDonald's shareholders in May.

Board members for McDonald's claimed a lack of scientific solutions on how to best balance hen housing systems. McDonald's is involved in an ongoing study on the subject.