Hy-Vee, Price Chopper detail changes to egg policy

Two more large supermarket chains, Hy-Vee and Price Chopper Supermarkets, have pledged to transition to 100% cage-free eggs.

Hy-Vee issued a statement Thursday stating that retailers have faced pressure from organizations and activists to change their policies, but any change would take time.

“We are a company that has always put our customers’ best interests first. We are also located in states that are home to some of the largest egg producers in the United States. Before we act, we always think through how our decisions will impact our customers,” the retailer said.

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However, Hy-Vee also said it will make the switch to all cage-free eggs in stores by the end of 2022, three years earlier than many other companies. The retailer said it had already planned to phase out caged eggs from menus at its Market Grille restaurants by August 2016.

Similarly, Price Chopper said it plans to work with suppliers to offer 100% cage-free eggs in its Price Chopper and Market 32 stores by 2025.

“By virtue of our commitment to animal welfare, we are active participants in varied dialogue — with our customers, industry experts and animal advocates — that influences the policy-setting process, as it makes for a more humane food system,” Mona Golub, VP public relations & consumer services, said in a press release.

"Our customers continue to drive our decision-making process when it comes to sourcing product. Their interest in knowing how and from where their food was sourced is growing, and therefore remains a top priority for us, relative to procurement, supply chain and corporate social responsibility.”

The retailer said right now 9% of the eggs it sells are cage-free.