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Published 15/01/2025Compassion’s US team has released its EggTrack 2024 report, highlighting the U.S.'s progress toward cage-free egg production, with 40% of laying hens now in cage-free systems. In contrast, over 81% of Canada’s hens remain in “enriched” cages, which offer minimal improvements over traditional battery cages, restricting natural behaviours like wing flapping, perching, and dust bathing.
U.S. Companies Take the Lead
As the 2025 deadline for many corporate cage-free egg commitments approaches, U.S. companies like Target, Aramark, and Jack in the Box are making significant strides to meet their goals. These businesses are responding to growing consumer demand for more humane food production systems and setting a global standard for ethical practices.
“America’s progress in cage-free egg production is proof that collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and consumers can achieve meaningful change for animal welfare,” said Julia Johnson, U.S. Head of Food Business at CIWF.
This momentum is bolstered by state legislation banning inhumane confinement practices, which has helped accelerate the shift toward cage-free systems. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring all companies meet their commitments and hold themselves accountable to the timelines they’ve set.
Misleading Labels Continue to Create Confusion
While the cage-free movement gains traction in the US, consumers still face challenges when navigating misleading labels at the grocery store. Many egg cartons carry vague or deceptive claims, making it difficult for shoppers to make informed ethical choices. To address this issue, EggTrack USA Report 2024 includes a certification guide highlighting trusted labels like Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.), which reflect meaningful welfare standards.
State Legislation and Public Programmes
As of January 2025, eleven states have signed policies into law banning cruel confinement for laying hens, effectively mandating improved environments for millions of hens annually. Eight states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington) have created more meaningful state policies by also prohibiting the sale of eggs laid by hens in battery cages. Cage-free legislation in Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah took effect on January 1st, 2025, impacting the lives of approximately 20.4 million laying hens every year.
One of the most promising developments in 2024 has been the inclusion of cage-free eggs in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Seven additional states, including Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri, authorised cage-free options in 2024, bringing the total to 39 states. This expansion has increased access to higher-welfare eggs for millions of families.
The Road Ahead
As 2025 approaches, EggTrack USA 2024 celebrates the successes of companies that have met their commitments while urging lagging businesses to step up. Initiatives like Dollar Tree’s pilot program to market cage-free eggs and Save-On-Foods’ consumer education campaigns demonstrate the positive impact of clear marketing and corporate accountability.
While the U.S. moves towards cage-free egg production, sustained progress will require continued collaboration among businesses, consumers, and policymakers. Transparency and innovation remain critical to ensuring a fully cage-free future for laying hens.
Read the full EggTrack USA Report 2024 | Compassion USA to find out more about cage-free progress in US and Canada
