Target stores switching to cage-free eggs by 2025

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. has announced that it’s transitioning to 100 percent cage-free shell eggs by 2025.

The Minneapolis-based discount retailer joins a growing list of companies across the country that have announced plans in recent months to source their eggs from cage-free producers. They include Minnesota-based General Mills and Michael Foods; restaurant chains such as Denny’s, Wendy’s and Quiznos; and other major food manufacturers such as ConAgra Foods and Mondelez International.

The switch is due in part to a campaign by the Humane Society of the United States. The group’s CEO, Wayne Pacelle says the momentum has been unstoppable since McDonald’s made its cage-free announcement in September.

Most companies making the transition are doing it over the long term because egg producers need time to convert their facilities to cage-free.