×

Cage-free eggs are the future

EDITOR:

After reading “When Lansing’s good intentions lay an egg” (January 11), I was reminded of a quote attributed to Margaret Thatcher, “Roosters crow; Hens deliver.” State Sen. Ed McBroom leaves out key details of why Michigan’s egg law is needed and ignores the popularity of “cage-free” eggs by consumers who see it as an ethical choice. Cage-free is also supported within the industry. Nancy Barr, director of Michigan Allied Poultry Industries told Mlive “Our producers are ready. They’ve spent a lot of time and money getting there but they are committed to cage-free housing for all of their hens and pullets.” Egglands Best uses the sale of their cage-free eggs as a marketing tool, “having local production throughout the United States” and “Eggland’s Best Cage Free eggs are sold in 100% recyclable plastic cartons.”

In conventional egg production, egg-laying hens are commonly confined to barren, wire cages that are so small the birds can’t even flap their wings. Not only is nearly immobilizing a bird in a cage for her entire life, cruel, but it’s also a public health risk. Numerous studies have linked salmonella with cage confinement.

Michigan’s common-sense, cage-free law had a generous, farmer-friendly five-year phase-in date and passed with bipartisan support. The law ensures better conditions for an estimated 11 million hens annually in Michigan, and reflects the future of the egg industry.

In response to massive consumer demand, more than 200 of the country’s largest food companies have committed to switching to a 100 percent cage-free egg supply. Last year, McDonald’s reached its cage-free goal ahead of schedule, and as of 2024, all of its U.S. locations are 100% cage-free.

By arguing for cages, Senator McBroom is proving that he’s out of touch about the industry’s trajectory. The question is no longer if the industry is going cage-free, but how to create a smooth transition for farmers and retailers while ensuring better animal welfare and food safety. Michigan’s law, which was championed by a variety of in-state stakeholders, does just that.

Nancy Warren

Ewen

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today