Supermarkets chain Carrefour has announced the introduction of cage-free eggs in its physical and online stores across the country.
The retailer plans to source cage-free eggs only from local suppliers by 2032.
Cage-free refers to farm environments where egg producing chicken live in open indoor spaces. It represents an increased quality of life for hens as compared with those held in cages.
Carrefour's parent company Majid Al Futtaim signed with the Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Policy under The Humane League in 2020.
Christophe Orcet, Regional Director of Carrefour-East Africa, said the decision was made to uplift animal welfare standards and promote healthy consumptions.
“Majid Al Futtaim Retail is proud to provide its customers with products that comply with the highest quality and safety standards. Products that have been produced and sourced using socially and environmentally-responsible means,” he said.
Globally, food companies have been increasing their adoption of animal welfare practices.
“We have finalised agreements with three local suppliers to sell their products across various Carrefour stores," Orcet said.
"This as we encourage farmers country-wide to implement the standards required for the production and supply of cage-free eggs.”
According to the Humane League, over 2,400 companies have committed to the production and supply of cage-free eggs.
In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly passed a resolution acknowledging the role of animal welfare in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
