Given McDonald’s reputation, it came as a pleasant surprise when the fast-food chain announced a timeline for boycotting the cruel cages used in its egg supply [“McDonald’s to switch to cage-free eggs over next decade,” News, Sept. 10].
When it comes to food production, people care deeply about animal welfare. This issue is so timely that five of the country’s largest food-service producers — including Sodexo, Aramark and Centerplate — will phase out cages by 2020. Many restaurant giants like The Cheesecake Factory and even Burger King have also set timelines — and now, McDonald’s!
That leaves us with a food giant that resides close to home: Costco. An Issaquah-based company that is often praised for being ahead of its time, Costco is known to listen to its membership and provide quality, progressive choices. It’s surprising that it is being stubborn on this issue. Even though eight years ago Costco promised to completely end its practice of caging egg-laying hens, it has neglected to set a timeline and is becoming outdated.
With others now leading the way, Costco is falling behind. As consumers in Costco’s hometown, we must demand Costco make the switch before it becomes as antiquated and inhumane as the practice of cruelly confining hens to cages.
Most Read Opinion Stories
When will it be, Costco?
Heather Bolint, Seattle