International non-governmental organisation (NGO) Lever Foundation* has praised Royal Group for its commitment to selling 100 percent cage-free eggs across all its supermarkets by 2035, according to a recent statement from the US-based foundation.
Royal Group, which says that it runs Macau’s largest supermarket chain, joins a growing number of leading companies in Macau that have pledged to only source cage-free eggs, and is the first supermarket chain in the city to set a cage-free egg policy, covering all 36 Royal Supermarkets and one Grand Mart, according to the statement.
Royal Group General Manager Jeff Chang (曾憲程) was quoted by the statement as saying: “We will work closely with our suppliers to increase the supply of cage-free eggs and transition to 100 percent cage-free eggs by 2035, as we deeply understand the importance of animal welfare and food safety”.
Lever Foundation Sustainability Programme Director Lily Tse was also quoted as saying: “By introducing this policy, Royal Group has set an excellent example for the industry, demonstrating that supermarkets, as the primary channel for essential daily goods for citizens, can further benefit consumers and the community through responsible procurement.”
Cage-free production allows hens to move freely in open indoor environments, which the statement says is improving animal welfare and significantly lowering food safety risks compared to caged-egg production.
The statement pointed out research by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which found that “cage-free egg farms have up to 25 times lower rates of contamination by key salmonella strains than caged eggs, leading them to issue a recommendation for a complete ban on caged egg production across Europe”.
*According to the statement, the foundation works with leading companies to “help them upgrade their protein sourcing for a more humane, safe and sustainable supply chain, focusing on upgraded animal protein and alternative protein.”
This undated handout photo provided by the Lever Foundation shows eggs for sale at a Royal Supermarket in Macau.
