Grocery giant stalls on animal welfare, millions left to suffer

• Ahold Delhaize–owner of Food Lion and Stop & Shop–has delayed its animal welfare promises. Millions of animals will remain in cramped conditions for years to come.
• Although the grocery giant has had a policy for several years, it has failed to report meaningful progress. 
• The company postponed its promise to improve conditions for U.S. hens from 2025 to 2032. It also delayed its 2025 commitment to remove cages for pregnant pigs, now aiming for compliance by 2028.
• In Europe, stricter laws have forced Ahold Delhaize to improve. But weaker U.S. regulations allow harmful practices to continue.

Ahold Delhaize—the global company behind Food Lion, Giant Food, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop—is under fire for failing animals. Despite publicly claiming to support animal welfare, the company has delayed its goals and failed to report meaningful progress on its existing promises. In addition to eroding consumer trust, this delay will leave millions of farmed animals in cramped conditions for years to come.

In 2019, the company promised to stop using cages for hens in its U.S. supply chain by 2025. Now, that deadline has been pushed to 2032 and only applies to some egg products. Progress for pregnant pigs is also slow, with cages set to be eliminated by 2028—also with some exceptions.

In the European Union, stricter laws have pushed Ahold Delhaize’s brands–like Albert Heijn and Delhaize Belgium–to comply with better standards. They follow EU rules on egg sourcing and restrict cages for pregnant pigs.

In the U.S., weaker laws allow harmful practices to continue. The company blames delays on supply chain issues and the impact of avian flu on egg production. However, advocates argue that overcrowding and unsanitary conditions within the industry itself are the root causes of avian flu outbreaks.

Ahold Delhaize publicly claims to support animal protection, but their repeated delays and lack of transparency tell a different story. Consumers can no longer trust a company that has had policies for pigs and hens in place for years yet failed to report any real progress. It’s time for them to stop making excuses and take meaningful action. – Dane Charbeneau, Animal Equality’s Campaigns Manager

Take a stand for pigs and hens

Animal Equality is demanding Ahold Delhaize deliver clear plans to end cages for hens and pregnant pigs. Email Ahold Delhaize executives today and demand they stop delaying their promises. 

Looking to make an even greater impact? Pigs and hens suffer far beyond the cage, enduring pain for meat and eggs. By choosing plant-based meals, you offer them a life free from suffering. Every choice on your plate tells a story—make yours one of compassion and hope. 

FOSTER COMPASSION

As a mother capable of empathy, a hen will defend her chicks at all costs.

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Support a mother’s love by replacing eggs in your meals with plant‑based alternatives.