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Dunkin' Donuts agrees to end gestation crate use

September 27, 2012

Dunkin' Donuts announced that it will begin switching to cage-free eggs in its breakfast sandwiches nationwide and eliminate cages for breeding pigs known as "gestation crates" from its pork supply chain. These actions were applauded by The Humane Society of the United States.

"Dunkin' Donuts' move to procure eggs from more humane sources and to eliminate gestation crates reflects a strong commitment to animal welfare," said Josh Balk, director of Corporate Policy for the HSUS. "We are grateful that the company has exhibited leadership in improving the treatment of farm animals within its supply chain."

As a first step, the company will transition 5 percent of its eggs to cage-free by the end of 2013. Additionally, in order to determine a timeline for eliminating gestation crates, the company will require its U.S. pork suppliers to outline their plans to achieve this goal.

"Dunkin' Donuts is committed to environmental and social responsibility, and we're pleased to announce this commitment to continuously raise the bar for the treatment of animals within our supply chain," said Scott Murphy, vice president, Dunkin' Donuts Global Supply Chain. "We're working with our partners at The Humane Society of the United States and our franchisee-owned distribution and purchasing cooperative to source ingredients that meet high animal welfare standards."

Animal welfare efforts are outlined as part of Dunkin' Brands' commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Dunkin' Brands joins a growing list of other QSRs that have made the gestation crate-free commitment this year, including Jack in the Box, Subway, Sonic, McDonald's, Carl's Jr. Hardee's, Burger King, Wendy's and Tim Hortons.

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