A report assesses the progress and challenges of Latin American companies in adopting cage-free policies for chickens

The welfare of laying hens is seriously compromised by confinement in cages, a practice that deprives them of essential natural behaviors, such as nest building, foraging and dust bathing. This confinement, common in the egg industry, causes physical and psychological suffering in the birds, leading to a series of health problems, such as metabolic, bone and joint disorders, in addition to damaging the hens’ immune systems. In response to this reality, the organization Mercy For Animals (MFA) launched the fourth edition of the Monitor of Corporate Initiatives for Animals (MICA 2024), which analyzes the progress of Latin American companies in their commitment to animal welfare practices, specifically with regard to the elimination of confinement of hens in cages. The report evaluates 58 large companies from various sectors, such as food, retail and hospitality, that operate in Latin American countries, including Brazil. The research reveals that some of the leading companies, such ...