McDonald's Global Sourcing and Cage-Free Commitments
McDonald's sources its eggs from a vast network of suppliers, with procurement and animal welfare standards differing slightly depending on the country. The company leverages its massive purchasing power to drive significant changes in the egg production industry, particularly regarding its move to cage-free operations. This shift is a key part of McDonald's broader responsible sourcing strategy, reflecting increasing consumer demand for improved animal welfare.
For example, in the United States, McDonald's made a commitment in 2015 to transition to 100% cage-free eggs by the end of 2025. Through years of collaboration with its supply chain partners, including large-scale egg producers, the company actually met this target two years ahead of schedule in 2023. In Canada, a similar shift was completed in 2024, with all eggs for their McMuffin®, McGriddles®, and Bagel sandwiches now sourced as 'free-run,' the Canadian term for cage-free. Other major markets, including Australia, France, and Germany, have also completed the transition to 100% cage-free egg supplies.
United States Sourcing Details
To achieve its goal in the U.S., McDonald's partnered with major egg suppliers and their network of producers. The company worked closely with firms like Cargill, a major food producer, to help egg producers build and renovate farms for cage-free systems. One notable example is Forsman Farms, a fourth-generation family business in Minnesota that collaborated with Cargill and McDonald's to overhaul their facilities and transition to cage-free operations. This required a massive transformation of their supply chain, demonstrating how McDonald's can influence industry-wide changes.
Canadian and European Egg Supply
In Canada, McDonald's has sourced its eggs from Canadian farms for decades. Burnbrae Farms has been a long-standing partner, supplying Canada Grade A eggs for various breakfast items since the 1970s. These eggs are also certified by the Egg Farmers of Canada's Egg Quality Assurance (EQA) program, which ensures adherence to specific food safety and animal welfare standards. In Ireland, the company partners with local suppliers like Greenfield Foods, which sources free-range eggs from Irish farms approved under schemes like Bord Bia's Sustainable Egg Assurance Scheme (SEAS).
The Different Types of McDonald's Eggs
McDonald's uses different types of egg products for its various menu items, reflecting the varied preparation methods. All of these start with real eggs, but their form can differ dramatically.
- Round Egg: The classic Egg McMuffin® features a USDA Grade A egg that is freshly cracked and cooked in an 'egg ring' on the grill to achieve its distinct circular shape.
- Folded Egg: Used in items like the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, this egg is pre-cooked by suppliers and folded before being flash-frozen. It is then reheated on the grill at the restaurant.
- Scrambled Eggs: These eggs are made from a liquid egg mixture, which is cooked fresh on the grill with butter.
- Sausage Burrito Eggs: For the breakfast burrito, suppliers pre-cook liquid eggs with ingredients such as sausage, tomatoes, green chilies, and onions before freezing.
Comparison of McDonald's Eggs by Item
| Feature | Egg McMuffin® Round Egg | Folded Egg | Scrambled Eggs | Sausage Burrito Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Freshly cracked, Grade A shell eggs | Liquid eggs, pre-cooked by supplier | Liquid eggs, cooked in-restaurant | Liquid eggs with mix-ins, pre-cooked by supplier |
| Preparation | Cracked and cooked in a ring on the grill | Thawed and heated on the grill | Cooked fresh from a liquid mixture on the grill | Thawed and heated |
| Form | Solid, perfectly round | Rectangular, folded patty | Loose, scrambled | Mixed into a burrito filling |
| Notable Features | Freshly cracked, steamed to shape | Consistent, pre-formed patty | Cooked with butter for flavor | Includes vegetables and sausage |
| Menu Item | Egg McMuffin® | Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit | Big Breakfast | Sausage Burrito |
Evolution of Animal Welfare
The move to cage-free eggs has been a significant part of McDonald's and the wider fast-food industry's response to public and activist concerns regarding animal welfare. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has celebrated the company's progress, noting the positive ripple effect it has had across the industry. This shift is not merely a marketing tactic but a substantial logistical undertaking, requiring years of partnership and investment to build and renovate farms to new standards.
Supplier Accountability
While largely successful, McDonald's has faced challenges with its suppliers over the years. Following an exposé by the animal rights group Mercy for Animals in 2011, McDonald's and other retailers ended their relationship with Sparboe Egg Farms after hidden-camera footage showed animal cruelty. This incident underscored the importance of diligent oversight within the complex supply chain and highlighted the company's commitment to enforcing its animal welfare standards by terminating non-compliant suppliers.
Conclusion
McDonald's sources its eggs from a vast, global network of dedicated producers, with a significant shift towards cage-free sourcing in its largest markets. In the United States, the company met its 100% cage-free goal ahead of schedule in 2023, and similar commitments have been fulfilled in other countries like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. The specific type of egg—whether freshly cracked, folded, or scrambled—depends on the menu item, but all originate from real eggs. This complex supply chain is managed through partnerships with suppliers like Cargill and Burnbrae Farms, with an ongoing emphasis on animal welfare and quality control. Ultimately, the origin of McDonald's eggs is a localized effort guided by a global commitment to responsible sourcing.
Animal Health & Welfare at McDonald’s Corporation is an authoritative source on their official policies.
