Chick-fil-A says it’s “uncertain” about its ability to fulfill a commitment concerning cage-free eggs.
Back in 2016, the company had announced plans to source only cage-free eggs from its suppliers, with intentions to serving only cage-free eggs in its restaurants by the end of 2026. At the time, Chick-fil-A described the move as its “latest step in advancing transparent and responsible sourcing.”
“Our transition to cage-free eggs reinforces our commitment to provide wholesome menu options that continue to meet the needs of our customers,” an executive for the company was quoted as saying in a 2016 press release.
The company had also acknowledged that its egg suppliers would need years to transition to cage-free facilities. But the plan apparently ran into other unforeseen hurdles.
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In a message posted to the official Chick-fil-A website, the company now says it’s “uncertain” if they can meet their own 10-year-deadline.
“In 2016, Chick-fil-A communicated we would source only 100 percent cage-free eggs by 2026. Currently, our ability to meet this commitment in the stated timeframe is uncertain due to numerous industry dynamics and the significant impact the bird flu has had over the past several months and continues to have on our industry,” reads the webpage.
The message further states that Chick-fil-A will still serve cage-free eggs in states that require them to do so. (The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that at least nine states have laws banning the production or sale of cage-free eggs.)
Chick-fil-A’s webpage also promised to continue sourcing eggs from “trusted suppliers who meet our strict quality standards” across its entire restaurant system.
A representative for Chick-fil-A did not respond to a question about the specific quality standards for its nationwide egg suppliers, nor where any possible hiccups in its cage-free supply chain may have originated.
The bird flu, meanwhile, did create a shortage of eggs in early 2025, and resulted in restaurants like Denny’s and Waffle House placing surcharges on egg dishes. But those surcharges were removed by mid-2025 as suppliers replenished their stocks, and despite avian influenza outbreaks still affecting some farmers.
Chick-fil-A is one of several major restaurants to promise a switch to cage-free eggs. McDonald’s had made a similar commitment with a deadline of 2025, but finished its transition ahead of schedule. Starbucks, too, had announced plans to switch to cage-free eggs by 2020, but ultimately met the goal in 2023.
