SobeysDroppedTheBall.ca: Sobeys Broken Cage-Free Promise: Animal Welfare Investigation.

ABOUT CANADA’S GROCERY GIANT

AND ITS ANIMAL WELFARE

HISTORY

WHAT ARE SOBEYS’ ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITMENTS?

“In 2016, we committed to source only cage-free eggs by the end of 2025… Retailers and suppliers agree, these are the right goals to work towards. Since the retailers made these commitments, we’ve learned that the supply chain needs more time to adapt and change. At Sobeys, we are committed to continue working to these goals.”

- Sobeys’ Animal Welfare Statement, 2021-2024

Two men in suits and glasses, smiling, in a black and white photo with a white outline around their silhouettes.

SOBEYS’ policy statements

  • March 2016

    “…[T]he Retail Council of Canada (RCC) grocery members, including: Loblaw Companies Limited, Metro Inc., Sobeys Inc., and Wal-Mart Canada Corp., announced a step towards improving animal welfare by voluntarily committing to the objective of purchasing cage-free eggs by the end of 2025.

    “‘There have been significant discussions over the last several months among producers, processors, the scientific community and consumers regarding the best approach for raising hens […] These discussions have led to the announcement our members are making today, further demonstrating our commitment to providing Canadians with responsibly sourced food.’”

    - “Retail Council of Canada Grocery Members Voluntarily Commit to Source Cage-Free Eggs by the End of 2025”

  • August 2020

    "In March 2016, Sobeys announced that we will work with our suppliers in the egg industry to transition to a completely cage-free egg offering in our stores by the end of 2025.

    This change in egg sourcing will improve the welfare of millions of laying hens by allowing them to better express natural behaviours. For example, it will provide more room for the hens to walk around freely, to spread their wings, and provide access to nests and perches.”

    - Sobeys Animal Welfare Webpage

  • June 2021

    “In an effort to move the needle forward on the wellbeing of [...] laying hens, in [...] 2016, major grocery retailers in Canada announced commitments, [including]: To source only cage-free eggs by the end of 2025.

    Our industry has learned a lot since we made these public commitments. Retailers and suppliers agree, these are the right goals to work towards. Since the retailers made these commitments, we’ve learned that the supply chain needs more time to adapt and change. We are all committed to continue working to these goals and the complexities they create.”

    - Our Commitments to Animal Welfare, Sobeys

  • August 2021

    “Together, with other retailers, in [...] 2016, we announced commitments to [...] sourcing only cage-free eggs by the end of 2025. We remain committed to these goals and are continuing to work with our internal sourcing teams, as well as with our external partners like our suppliers, the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) to assess our progress and identify opportunities to achieve these commitments. Given that all elements of our complex supply chain are reliant on multiple partners, we acknowledge that we will not meet these goals by the original timeframes — but that does not mean we will give up on these goals. “

    - Sustainable Business Report 2021, Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc.

  • July 2022

    “In 2016, we committed to source only cage-free eggs by the end of 2025. Our industry has learned a lot since we made these public commitments. Retailers and suppliers agree, these are the right goals to work towards. Since the retailers made these commitments, we’ve learned that the supply chain needs more time to adapt and change. At Sobeys, we are committed to continue working to these goals.”

    - Animal Welfare Statement, Version 1, Sobeys

  • July 2024

    “In 2016, we committed to source only cage-free eggs by the end of 2025. Our industry has learned a lot since we made these public commitments. Retailers and suppliers agree, these are the right goals to work towards. Since the retailers made these commitments, we’ve learned that the supply chain needs more time to adapt and change. At Sobeys, we are committed to continue working to these goals.”

    - Animal Welfare Statement, Version 2, Sobeys

  • July 2025

    “We remain committed to continuing to work with suppliers and industry partners, such as the NFACC, to increase the availability of cage-free and enriched [cage] eggs.”

    - Animal Welfare Statement, Version 3, Sobeys

Since 2021, Sobeys has reported no increase in
cage-free progress.

While publishing multiple, CEO-approved statements about remaining committed to going cage-free, Sobeys reported 17.5% cage-free egg sales in 2021, only to report the same 17.5% four years later.

Sobeys also claims it is guided by the Five Freedoms, which cannot be met by cage confinement:

  1. Freedom from hunger, malnutrition and thirst by providing ready access to fresh water and a diet that maintains good health and vigour

  2. Freedom from pain, injury and disease through prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment

  3. Freedom from fear and distress by providing conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

  4. Freedom from physical and thermal discomfort by providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area

  5. Freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind

Undercover investigations highlight the company’s deception of consumers and investors.