Millions of Animals Suffer While Corporate Greed Thrives.

Hannaford claims to care about sustainability and community, but behind the scenes, they are failing animals and lying to customers about their commitments.

images representative of a typical battery cage facility

Hannaford promotes sustainability

while animals suffer in cages.

Hannaford proudly claims to support “the well-being and welfare of farm animals”, but their parent company, Ahold Delhaize, has delayed its commitment to cage-free eggs from 2025 to 2032—leaving millions of hens trapped in cruel, outdated battery cages.

While battery cages are banned in the EU, Ahold Delhaize and Hannaford continue to profit from this suffering in the U.S. Why is this cruelty acceptable in America, but not in Europe?

It’s time for Hannaford to stop the excuses and take real action.

images representative of a typical battery cage facility

BATTERY CAGE BANS In the U.S.

The following states have passed legislation that either bans or requires the phasing-out of battery cages:

Arizona

California

Colorado

Massachusetts

Michigan

Nevada

Ohio

Oregon

Rhode Island

Utah

Washington

Arizona California Colorado Massachusetts Michigan Nevada Ohio Oregon Rhode Island Utah Washington

The Cruel Reality of

HANNAFORD’S BATTERY CAGES.

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT BATTERY CAGE EGGS

  • Hens in cages suffer from limited space and restricted movement, which prevents them from engaging in natural behaviors and leads to high stress and frustration. Studies also indicate that caged hens have higher rates of Salmonella, a leading cause of foodborne illness and are more prone to disease than hens in systems that allow for greater mobility and expression of natural behaviors.

  • Each hen in a battery cage is given only 67-86 square inches of space—less than the size of a sheet of paper—leaving them unable to spread their wings or move naturally.

  • Hens are unable to perch, nest, dust-bathe, or forage, causing severe psychological distress and unnatural, repetitive stress behaviors.

  • Wire cage floors cause painful foot disorders, overgrown claws, and open lesions, while sloped designs lead to chronic discomfort and injuries.

  • Battery cages deny hens their natural behaviors, such as scratching, nesting, and foraging, leading to chronic stress, frustration, and harmful repetitive behaviors.

  • To maximize egg production, hens undergo forced molting by withholding food and water, causing severe stress, feather loss, and long-term health issues, including paralysis and death from dehydration.

  • Hens are subjected to constant artificial light to extend egg-laying periods, disrupting their natural cycles and contributing to bone fragility and overall poor health.

  • While the EU banned battery cages in 2012, Hannaford’s parent company, Ahold Delhaize, has pushed the cage-free egg deadline from 2025 to 2032, allowing millions of hens in the U.S. to continue suffering for years to come.

The Global Double Standard

Better for Europe.

Worse for America.

Hannaford’s parent company, Ahold Delhaize, ensures their brands in
Europe follow higher animal welfare standards.

Meanwhile, Hannaford in the U.S. leaves millions of hens suffering in cruel cages. Why do Hannaford and Ahold Delhaize provide American customers with eggs that come from animals that suffer?

This is a safe space for Hannaford employees.

Do you feel

betrayed by Hannaford?

Hannaford employees deserve to be heard—especially when their own leadership cannot be trusted.

We understand that many of you feel frustrated, angry, and personally betrayed by the company’s broken commitments and ongoing use of battery cages. You are not alone. Your voice matters, and you shouldn’t have to stay silent.

The International Council for Animal Welfare will confidentially support Hannaford employees and push for meaningful change that reflects the integrity and compassion that Hannaford employees and customers deserve.