Sources: Available upon request
04 Jul 2025
Global investigation reveals abuse in egg farms
A sweeping global investigation has revealed shocking levels of animal cruelty and unsanitary conditions in industrial egg farms across more than 35 countries.
A sweeping global investigation has revealed shocking levels of animal cruelty and unsanitary conditions in industrial egg farms across more than 35 countries. Conducted by the Open Wing Alliance—a coalition of nearly 100 animal welfare organizations—the investigation is being hailed as the most comprehensive of its kind, exposing systemic abuse and raising urgent concerns about public health and corporate accountability.
The investigation uncovered that hens are routinely confined in overcrowded cages, with up to 10 birds crammed into spaces smaller than an iPad. These conditions prevent the animals from standing upright or spreading their wings. Investigators documented scenes of live hens trapped among rotting carcasses, birds abandoned in manure pits, and eggs collected from feces-laden environments before being sent to market.
Ellie Ponders, Senior Director of Global Corporate Engagement at the Open Wing Alliance, described the findings as “a ticking time bomb for both public health and corporate risk.” She emphasized that such conditions are ideal breeding grounds for disease, especially amid ongoing concerns about avian influenza.
While many major food corporations—including Hershey, Hormel Foods, and Barilla—have pledged to transition to cage-free egg sourcing, others such as Walmart, Zensho Holdings, and Inspire Brands continue to rely on outdated and inhumane practices. The report criticizes these companies for profiting from cruelty and failing to meet evolving consumer expectations.
The investigation also highlighted the global nature of the problem, with abuses documented on every continent. Nikki Glaser, comedian and host of the 2025 Golden Globes, commented on the findings: “From North America to Asia, Europe to Africa—no country, no company using cages is safe from what we found. The price tag is the least shocking thing about eggs”.
Animal welfare advocates are calling for immediate reforms, including the global elimination of battery cages and stricter enforcement of animal welfare standards. They also urge consumers to demand transparency and accountability from food brands.
“This isn’t just an animal welfare issue,” said Ponders. “It’s a betrayal of public trust. Investors, regulators, and consumers must ask: how much longer will corporations gamble with our health and ethics?”
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As the world grapples with the implications of this investigation, the pressure is mounting on the egg industry to change—before the next crisis hits.
