Ahold USA is going 100% cage-free by 2022

Ahold USA is following a cue from other retail giants in announcing that its companies' private label shell eggs will be 100% cage-free by 2022.

Ahold USA says its retail divisions – Stop & Shop, Giant Food of Landover, Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Martin's and online grocer Peapod – now offer cage-free, free-range, organic, and traditional egg varieties for its customers. Approximately 80% of all eggs sold among Ahold USA companies are sold as "Own Brands" or private label.

"Animal welfare is a fundamental part of our responsible retailing program," said Marissa Nelson, senior vice president of responsible retailing and healthy living, Ahold USA. "We believe that cage-free environments are a more humane way to treat hens, and we have committed to have all of our private label shell eggs 100% cage-free, subject to available supply."

In the past few months, Costco, Nestle, McDonalds and other companies have announced they are taking egg-laying hens out of their cages.

"Ahold USA companies are deeply committed to providing customers with great products at great prices from suppliers who share our dedication to the highest standards of animal welfare," continued Nelson. "Ahold USA and our retail divisions will continue to work with the most reputable suppliers to source our private label cage-free shell eggs produced with respect for the animal."

Ahold USA operates approximately 790 supermarkets with 115,000 associates in 14 states and the District of Columbia.