Minneapolis, MN – With several companies, including Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Kelloggs and Dunkin’ Donuts, already on board, General Mills Inc. is set to join the list of companies committed to using cage-free eggs.

It will take some time before the company is 100% cage-free. Due to the recent outbreak of bird flu that affected the current supply of eggs, the company is unable to set a timeline for when they wish to achieve this goal.

“As the industry works to rebuild its supply chain, we will work with suppliers to determine a path and reasonable timeline toward this commitment,” the company said in a statement.

Haagen-Dazs, one of General Mills’ brands, already using eggs from free-range hens produced in Europe for their ice cream.

General Mills has made a commitment to achieve “five freedoms” for all of the animals in their supply. These freedoms are:

* Freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition

* Freedom from discomfort

* Freedom from pain, injury or disease

* Freedom from fear and distress

* Freedom to engage in normal patterns of animal behavior

Published by WholeFoods Magazine Online, 7/8/2015