Sodexo Announces Shift to Eggs from Cage-free Hens

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sodexo Inc., the leading provider of Quality of Life Services in North America, today announced that by July 2014, all of the 39 million shelled eggs it purchases each year will be sourced from cage-free hens. It is a decision applauded by The Humane Society of the United States, which says the shift will improve the welfare of nearly 150,000 hens annually. Today's announcement comes just weeks after Sodexo committed to the removal of gestation stalls from its pork supply chain.

"Shifting to cage-free eggs is just one more way Sodexo is proactively implementing commitments under The Better Tomorrow Plan, our roadmap for sustainability," said Deborah Hecker, vice president, sustainability and CSR, Sodexo. "Our decision to source shelled eggs exclusively from hens in a cage-free environment specifically addresses our commitments to buy local, seasonal or sustainably grown or raised products."

With more than 6,000 clients in settings that include education, health care, government and corporate dining operations, Sodexo in North America serves 10 million customers daily. By committing to source cage-free shelled eggs for this vast customer base, Sodexo stands to make a significant contribution to improving the welfare of laying hens.

"Sodexo's move on procurement of shell eggs from more humane sources reflects a strong commitment to hen welfare," said Josh Balk, director of corporate policy for the Humane Society of the United States. "We are grateful that the company has exhibited such leadership in improving the treatment of farm animals within its supply chain."

Sodexo views its commitment to the humane treatment of animals as highly important, just as it is for the people and the communities that it serves. This step is an important part of the progress the company is making toward sustainability in a range of areas, from the food it sources to the energy and facilities management services it provides. 

Among some of the recognized achievements in sustainability for Sodexo are: the Dow Jones 2011-2012 Global Sustainability Leader; Sustainability Yearbook; 2012 SAM Sector Leader and 2012 Fortune's Most Admired Companies. Guided by the Better Tomorrow Plan, Sodexo's global roadmap to sustainability, the company works to actively promote nutrition, health and wellness, commit to local communities and protect the environment.

For more information about Sodexo's Better Tomorrow Plan please visit bettertomorrow.sodexousa.com.

About Sodexo in North America
Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On-site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $17 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions
Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo acts as a partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and employee well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo's 413,000 employees in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled array of Quality of Life Services. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the fulfillment of its employees and the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates.

SOURCE Sodexo, Inc.