Sweet Animal Welfare News: Toblerone Goes Cage Free
VIENNA, December 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
FOUR PAWS International aims for labelling of hidden eggs
Today, International animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS announced that the legendary Swiss made chocolate bar, Toblerone, produced since 1868 and sold all around the world, will now be produced only with eggs laid by cage free hens.
The change follows a quick and historical decision by the global food producer Mondelēz International (formerly known as Kraft Foods). The company became aware and sensitive regarding the necessity to improve the lives for the animals that contribute to its ingredients in their products. "This is the sweetest news since our egg campaign convinced Ferrero to go cage free earlier this year" said Gabriel Paun, Director of Campaigns at FOUR PAWS International.
According to a survey commissioned by FOUR PAWS in 2011, the majority of European citizens would like eggs used in processed foods to be labelled so that they can choose products containing cage free eggs. Such a labelling system is currently only in place for whole eggs. However processed eggs used for making products such as sweets, baked goods, pasta, mayonnaise, egg liqueur or sauce represent 1/3 of entire egg consumption. " The lack of hidden egg labelling creates confusion among consumers and keeps a huge number of animals suffering in tiny cages. Food companies around the world need to listen to the wishes of millions of their customers and start labelling the hidden eggs in their foods", says Gabriel Paun.
Earlier this year a ban on conventional cages for hens came into force in the EU. However in nine Member States tens of millions of hens are still being kept in illegal conditions. These eggs are being primarily used in processed foods and are not being described on labels. "Lack of law enforcement and incomplete labelling makes processed food the dumping ground for cage eggs. The EU Commission could accomplish great results by expanding the existing labelling system for fresh eggs to the processed foods as well", concluded Paun.
Further information:
FOUR PAWS welcomes Ferrero's commitment to stop cage eggs in all products (5.4.2012)
http://www.vier-pfoten.org/website/output.php?id=1222&idcontent=3555&language=1 http://www.vier-pfoten.org/website/output.php?id=1222&idcontent=3555&language=1
FOUR PAWS spot on hidden cage eggs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5mdIESZ6Rtk
FOUR PAWS is an international animal welfare organisation with headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Founded by Helmut Dungler in 1988, the organisation pleads for animal welfare through long term campaigns and targeted projects. The work is based on substantiated research and scientific expertise as well as intensive national and international lobbying on a political and legal scale. FOUR PAWS focuses on animals, that are directly under human control: stray dogs and stray cats, laboratory animals, farm animals and companion animals but also bears and big cats kept in inappropriate housing. With offices in Amsterdam, Boston, Brussels, Bucharest, Hamburg, London, Sofia, Zurich and South Africa, Four Paws directly and quickly aims to help animals in need. In 2013, the organisation will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Austria.
Contact:
Natalie Konir
Head of PR International
FOUR PAWS International
Linke Wienzeile 236, A-1150 Vienna
phone: +43-1-545-50-20-69
mobile: +43-(0)-664-1281707
fax:+43-1-545-50-20-99
mail: natalie.konir@vier-pfoten.org
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