It seems like almost everyday a new lawsuit or disgusting health fact surfaces in the world of fast food joints; just in the last week we learned about a young girl suffering permanent brain damage from salmonella poisoning at a KFC restaurant, and a woman collapsing while eating a “double bypass burger” from The Heart Attack Grill.
So a bit of positive news is a refreshing, much-needed change! Burger King has announced that within the next five years its U.S. chains will completely stop using eggs and pork from chickens and pigs confined in small cages. The new policy outlines a plan to transition to 100 percent cage-free eggs, and promises to only use pork from cage-free pigs!
There are 12,500 Burger King restaurants across the country, so this will have a huge impact!
“For more than a decade, Burger King Corp. has demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare and, through our BK Positive Steps corporate responsibility program, we continue to leverage our purchasing power to ensure the appropriate and proper treatment of animals by our vendors and suppliers,” says Jonathan Fitzpatrick, chief brand and operations officer of Burger King Corp. “We are proud to announce these new, industry-leading commitments that support meaningful standards of humane treatment in our U.S. supply chain.”
Other companies in the fast-food industry have also taken steps to move away from inhumane conditions, including Wendy’s, Red Robin, SOnic and Subway. McDonald’s announced it would review its plans, as well.
The industry still has a long way to go, but we are getting there!
