Panera Says Four More Years Until 100% Cage-Free Eggs

Noting that it has been working for ten years to “reduce antibiotic use and confinement” of food animals in its supply chain, Panera Bread announced progress among pigs, poultry and beef cattle in 2015. However, it said its laying hens would not be cage-free for another four years. This year, pregnant pig sows would be 100 percent gestation-crate free; all chickens and turkeys used in sandwiches and salads would be raised without antibiotics; and 89 percent of beef cattle would be grass-fed and free range. CEO Ron Shaich said there was more work to do, but “we are within reach of a menu without antibiotics and unnecessary confinement.”