Bakery supplier to eliminate cage eggs from its products

Bakery supplier Allied Pinnacle has announced its intention to eliminate cage eggs from its supply chain by 2023. The manufacturer owns brands such as The Happy Cookie Co. and NY Bagels, and supplies bakery products to Coles and Woolworths.

Allied Pinnacle uses 40 million eggs annually, and estimates that over 130,000 hens will be spared a life of severe confinement in battery cages by the end of the phase-out period in 2023. The announcement comes at a critical time in Australia as the government reviews the Poultry Code and the living conditions of battery hens.

While more consumers elect not to purchase cage eggs, many don’t realise that the food products in supermarkets and cafes often contain egg ingredients derived from hens confined to cages, with 60% of eggs produced in Australia used in food, as opposed to being sold as whole eggs.

Animals Australia commended the decision to eliminate cage eggs, with CEO Glenys Oogjes stating, “At a time that a legal ban on the battery cage is being considered by governments, this commitment by a leading food manufacturer sends another strong signal to the egg industry that cages will soon be redundant.”

Allied Pinnacle will work with egg suppliers and customers to achieve their goal of phasing out caged eggs.

“We are confident we can achieve our target of 100% cage-free eggs by 2023,” said CEO James Ajaka.

Allied Pinnacle’s decision demonstrates how animal protection organisations and the corporate sector can work together to improve the lives of animals.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/olhastock