In recent years, hundreds of food companies have made bold public commitments to go 100% cage-free. These pledges—often announced with great fanfare—have given consumers hope that a more humane food system is on the way.
But when the deadline nears, some companies go quiet. Others quietly delay, dilute, or walk back their commitments—especially in regions like Asia where public scrutiny is lower.
So what can you do when a company delays its cage-free promise?
As a consumer, employee, or investor, your voice matters more than you think. Here’s how you can help hold companies accountable.
🕵️♀️ 1. Stay Informed—and Demand Transparency
When companies delay progress, they often rely on silence. Most won’t announce a delay publicly—they just stop reporting.
You can counter this by:
- Checking company websites for regional progress updates
- Following cage-free trackers and industry reports
- Contacting customer service to ask: “What percentage of your eggs in [country/region] are cage-free?”
Companies that know people are watching are more likely to follow through.
📣 2. Use Your Voice as a Consumer
Your purchasing decisions send signals. But your voice—especially when directed at companies—can have even more impact.
Take action by:
- Emailing or messaging brands you support
- Commenting publicly on LinkedIn or social media
- Leaving reviews on delivery platforms or apps noting cage-free concerns
- Sharing posts from advocacy groups calling for accountability
Even a few public messages can ripple inside a company’s PR or sustainability team.
3. Speak Up from the Inside
If you work for a company that has made a cage-free pledge, you are in a unique position to make change.
You can:
- Ask internal teams about the status of the commitment
- Share concerns with colleagues or team leads
- Encourage leadership to stay on course to avoid reputational damage
Change often starts with quiet conversations—and a few internal champions.
4. Support the Advocates Applying Pressure
Organizations around the world are monitoring company progress and applying strategic pressure when delays occur.
You can support their work by:
- Signing petitions
- Donating to high-impact animal welfare groups
- Amplifying campaigns on social media
The louder the public call, the harder it is for companies to ignore.
5. Recognize—and Reward—Real Progress
Not all companies are lagging. Some are making genuine strides toward cage-free sourcing—even in difficult regions.
Celebrate these companies by:
- Buying from brands that meet or exceed their pledges
- Thanking them publicly
- Encouraging peers to follow their lead
Positive reinforcement matters—and shows others that accountability pays off.
Final Thoughts
When companies delay their cage-free promises, animals pay the price. But you don’t have to stay silent.
By staying informed, speaking up, and supporting pressure where it’s needed, you can help ensure that promises to animals—and to consumers—are kept.
Let’s make sure “100% cage-free” means exactly what it says.