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Animal protection group extends cage-free invitation to Burger King

Oct 28, 2020    Share to: facebook line LinkedIn WhatsApp line
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Activists extend an invitation to Burger King to join the cage-free movement.
Image: Naomi Goddard

See Burger King Taiwan's statement in response to our action

 

The Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) today gathered at Burger King's NTNU Store to issue an invitation to the multinational fast food chain to join the cage-free movement.

 

EAST hinted at the action on social media yesterday, posting a satirical video of a dialogue between fast food companies in a LINE-style chat room.  

 

The action is part of an international campaign calling on Burger King's parent company, Restaurant Brands International, to release a comprehensive global cage-free policy. The campaign is led by the Open Wing Alliance, which boasts 84 member organizations in more than 60 countries.

 

"We hope Burger King takes this opportunity to outdo longtime rival McDonald's, who has steadfastly refused to release a cage-free commitment covering Taiwan" said EAST Campaign Researcher, Fang Chu Chune.

 

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An activist calls on Burger King to join the cage-free company chat room, linking to a satirical video posted by EAST. 
Image: Naomi Goddard

Hens on cage farms live in cramped, unnatural conditions that can hasten the spread of disease. These cages are so small and packed with birds that the hens are unable to engage in natural cleaning behaviors like dust-bathing, or even spread their wings. Often, their body parts are caught in the caging, resulting in fractured or broken bones, deformities, and severe feather loss.

 

Globally, hundreds of companies have pledged to eliminate cage eggs from their global supply chains, including leading quick service restaurant brands Shake Shack, Costa Coffee, and Pret-A-Manger. Burger King has also committed to stop sourcing eggs from hens kept in tiny, wire cages in markets around the world, including North America, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand, and for breakfast items in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Burger King franchisees in Thailand and Indonesia have also pledged to take cage eggs off the menu.

 

However, Burger King has yet to release a cage-free policy that applies to Taiwan, despite Tony Huang, General Manager of Burger King in Taiwan, previously stating it is "absolutely the social responsibility of companies to provide safe and healthy food for consumers."

 

"Cage-free egg production is on the rise in Taiwan, and is already more than sufficient to meet Burger King's needs" elaborated Ms. Chune. "We are confident Burger King has the foresight to become a frontrunner in the cage-free movement, and set an example of compassion for animals, consumers, and the planet."

 

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Hens enjoy a coffee at Burger King's NTNU Store, awaiting a cage-free commitment from the fast food chain.
Image: Naomi Goddard

 

Media contact
Fang Chu Chune, Campaign Researcher 
Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST)
Mobile: 0923-177-193
Phone: 02 2236-9735 #6