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4. Values-Led Sourcing > Certified Humane Cage Free Eggs In 2006, we made the decision to transition all of the eggs used in our U.S. ice cream production to Certified Humane cage-free suppliers over a four-year period, beginning in 2007. This decision makes Ben & Jerry’s one of the first national food manufacturers to commit to using Certified Humane cage-free eggs. We’ll begin a gradual transition in 2007 and have our egg supply coming entirely from Certified Humane cage-free hens by the end of 2010. The Certified Humane designation means that egg-laying hens are guaranteed to have wholesome, nutritious food, access to clean water, and adequate space to engage in normal behaviors, among dozens of criteria crafted by veterinary professionals. Compliance with these standards is provided by the nonprofit organization Humane Farm Animal Care in Herndon, Virginia. We have been sourcing free-range eggs (‘vrije uitloop’) for our European production since 2004, and we had a U.S. transition to cage-free eggs in mind for some time. However, supply and cost challenges had been insurmountable until this year. The constructive engagement of the Humane Society of the United States over a period of several months was also helpful in moving us forward on this issue. The phase-in period was necessary to allow Ben & Jerry’s to absorb the additional cost of cage-free eggs and to give the cage-free industry time to expand supply to meet our volume requirements. |
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