Too often, the dark side of vegetarian foods is that some contain ingredients like dairy or eggs that cause animals to suffer. Advocacy groups are calling on consumers nationwide to urge vegetarian food maker Morningstar Farms to remove battery cage raised hen eggs from its foods, bringing ethical integrity to products often seen as a cruelty-free substitutes to meat.

As industry trends move in a cruelty-free direction, Morningstar Farms has unwisely lapsed behind its competitors. Last year, Gardenburger®, one its largest business rivals, eliminated eggs from all but one of its products. By continuing the use of eggs from hens raised in cruel conditions, Morningstar tarnishes its image as provider of conscious alternatives, and shuts out a large portion of its target market.

Costumers who follow a vegan diet are a fast-growing demographic, comprising approximately 1% of the population. With its use of eggs, Morningstar effectively eliminates 3 million potential and likely customers. For a food additive that no one would miss were it gone, Morningstar has cut into its potential customer base, compromised its ethical standing, and sparked a national campaign by animal advocates.

Birds raised on egg farms are probably the most abused of all farmed animals. Nearly 300 million hens live confined inside wire battery cages so small that they can barely move. Battery caged hens are typically provided with a meager 67 square inches of space in which to live -- that's less than the size of one sheet of notebook paper. These birds are so intensively confined for their entire lives that they are denied their natural inclinations to spread their wings, perch, or even walk.

Many consumers purchase vegetarian foods as a compassionate alternative to meat, believing these items are cruelty-free substitutes for flesh. Kept from the public eye are the images of thousands of birds in darks sheds, living in cages so small they are unable to lift a wing. Morningstar is making a positive change through their production of meat alternatives. Eliminating eggs is the last step needed to create a truly humane product.

What You Can Do

Please contact Morningstar Farms and politely remind them their use of eggs, especially from battery hens, is injurious to both their business and their credibility. Ask them to maintain their credibility and competitive edge by dropping eggs from their product line.

Morningstar Farms
c/o Kellogg Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box CAMB
Battle Creek, MI 49016
Tel: (800) 962-1413
Contact Webpage