Over four billion egg-laying hens worldwide are confined to small, cramped cages, unable to stretch their wings, nest, or engage in natural behaviors. These inhumane conditions lead to immense suffering and compromised immune systems, posing health risks for both animals and humans. In response, a group of top chefs—Christine Cushing, Derek Sarno, Priyanka Naik, Leslie Durso, and Jeff Mahin—are joining forces with The Humane League (THL) to speak out against cages for egg-laying hens and inspire more compassionate consumer choices.
Derek Sarno, co-founder of Wicked Kitchen, former Senior Global Executive Chef for Whole Foods Market USA, and Director of Plant-Based Innovation for Tesco PLC, U.K:
“Caging animals for the sake of production is outdated, unnecessary, unethical, and downright wrong. There are far better ways to provide nourishment without harm, and it’s on all of us to lead the charge toward more compassionate, sustainable practices.”
Food Network Celebrity Chef, TV Host, and Author Priyanka Naik:
“No being should spend their life confined to a cage,” she says. “Every being deserves to be treated humanely and with compassion.”
Vegan Chef, Four Seasons, Punta Mita, and Wellness Expert Leslie Durso:
“As chefs and consumers, we have the power to shape not only what’s on our plates but also the world around us. Every dish we serve can be a step toward compassion and sustainability.”
The chefs’ cage-free call aligns with a growing consumer movement and legislative action worldwide. Countries like Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland have banned cages entirely, while eleven U.S. states prohibit the sale of eggs from caged hens. Rising consumer awareness and demand are driving the food industry toward a cage-free future.
Canadian Celebrity Chef and Food Network TV Host Christine Cushing:
“It’s crucial to recognize that the choices we make shape the world we live and cook in. Choosing cage-free isn’t just a culinary decision; it’s a statement about the kind of world I want to cook and live in.”
Jeff Mahin, chef/partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) and the creative force behind Stella Barra Pizzeria, Summer House Santa Monica, Do-Rite Donuts, and M Street Kitchen:
“By embracing the cage-free movement, consumers can collectively push toward a future where humane treatment isn’t just an option but the standard.”
Together, these chefs are helping drive a global movement toward a cage-free future. Learn more about how you can make a difference at EndCages.com. For more information about The Humane League, please visit TheHumaneLeague.org.
About The Humane League
The Humane League is a global animal protection nonprofit that exists to end the abuse of animals raised for food. Since its founding in 2005, The Humane League has focused on effectively ending the worst abuses in factory farming, securing strong animal welfare commitments from major foodservice providers, restaurants, food manufacturers, and hospitality leaders around the world, changing the lives of billions of farm animals suffering every day.
