General Mills is planning to transition to using only eggs from cage-free hens in its products, the company recently announced in its new animal welfare policy.

General Mills, headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota, stated that it is committed to going to 100 percent cage-free eggs for its U.S. operations. The company further stated that it will work with its suppliers to determine a reasonable timeline and it is understanding of current challenges the North American egg industry is facing amid the North American avian influenza outbreak.

Eggs are ingredients in many of General Mills products, which include Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Jeno’s, Hamburger Helper, Annie’s and numerous cereals.

General Mills pork policy

In its animal welfare policy, General Mills reiterated its plans announced in 2013 that the company would favor suppliers that use alternatives to gestation crates. It also stated that it is working to understand and address the issue of pain relief and potential elimination of castration and tail docking.

General Mills stance on broilers and turkeys

While no specific policies have been put in place concerning its suppliers for broiler chicken and turkey meat, General Mills announced that it is “working to understand any potential animal welfare issues associated with fast growth of broiler chickens and turkeys.”