ABP Corporation, operater of the Au Bon Pain restaurant chain, has announced its new policy for using eggs from cage-free chickens in its Massachusetts locations. Beginning this week, Au Bon Pain restaurants throughout the state will only use shell (whole) eggs from hens not confined in cages.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) worked with ABP to help the company improve animal welfare in its supply chain. The HSUS applauded the company for adopting a forward-looking policy.
"By switching to cage-free eggs in its Massachusetts locations, Au Bon Pain has taken an important step away from cruel battery cages," said Josh Balk, outreach director of The HSUS' factory farming campaign. "It's hard to imagine a more miserable existence for a bird than being crammed in a cage so small, she can't even spread her wings."
Other national restaurant chains such as Burger King, Red Robin, Wendy's, Quiznos, Denny's, Hardee's and Carl's Jr. also have started to use eggs from cage-free hens.
Nearly 64 percent of California voters passed in 2008 the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, criminalizing battery cage confinement statewide (with a phase-out). And last month, Michigan's governor signed similar legislation.
