Celebrity Chef Christine Cushing Chooses Cage-Free Eggs

Cushing joins the World Society for the Protection of Animals' campaign for kinder eggs

TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Celebrity Chef Christine Cushing today announced her partnership with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) to encourage consumers to "Choose Cage-Free." The Food Network Canada trailblazer, cookbook author and entrepreneur also released a video to encourage consumers to buy eggs from hens that are raised in cage-free housing.

"When I'm cooking, I always start with the very best ingredients. And I know that raising hens in cramped cages can't produce the best eggs," said Cushing. "Cage-free hens have space to move around, spread their wings, and be what they are – healthy, happy chickens, producing healthy, wholesome eggs. To me, it's a clear and easy choice."

Cushing adds her voice to the campaign at an important time when consumers are seeking more transparency in how their food is produced and demand for local, sustainable and humane food is increasing.

"We have found that most consumers are unaware of the terrible hen welfare issues associated with cages and that nearly half of all egg buyers would purchase a different brand if they discovered a product was made from animals that suffered," said Josey Kitson, Executive Director, WSPA Canada. "We are thrilled to have Christine Cushing join our campaign and know that her passion for this cause will help convince everyone that cage-free is the right choice."

Almost all of the egg-laying hens in Canada and the US live in small cages on large factory farms. Each has the space about the size of an iPad. These 300 million hens can barely move or turn around and are often bruised, battered and stressed, which can make them more vulnerable to infections and bacteria like Salmonella.

"Cage-free eggs are a more wholesome choice for your family. That's why I urge people to choose cage-free, every time, and to tell their friends and neighbours to join the flock of those who support cruelty-free food," said Cushing.

To learn more or take the Cage-Free Pledge, please visit www.choosecagefree.org or like the campaign at www.Facebook.com/choosecagefree.

About the World Society for the Protection of Animals
At the World Society for the Protection of Animals, we have worked to expose animal cruelty and prevent animal suffering for more than 30 years. Working with individuals, organizations and governments across the globe, our campaigns range from putting animals at the heart of farming to protecting animals in disasters. Consultative status with the United Nations means we have a unique international platform to prove that the lives of animals are inextricably linked to our own, and now more than ever is the time to stop their suffering.

For more information, visit http://www.wspa.ca/.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mv_4CqusEQ
Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140219/MM67920

SOURCE: World Society for the Protection of Animals

For further information:

Maureen Dempsey, 917-650-5053, [e-mail]

http://www.wspa.ca

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140219/MM67920