HSUS reports that according to its new policy, Burger King Corp. will transition to 100 per cent cage-free eggs for all US locations within five years, and only purchase pork from suppliers that have documented plans to end their use of gestation crates for breeding pigs.

"For more than a decade, Burger King Corp. has demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare and, through our BK Positive Steps corporate responsibility program, we continue to leverage our purchasing power to ensure the appropriate and proper treatment of animals by our vendors and suppliers," said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, chief brand and operations officer of Burger King Corp. "We are proud to announce these new, industry-leading commitments that support meaningful standards of humane treatment in our US supply chain."

"Burger King Corp. has demonstrated when it comes to America’s largest fast food chains, it continues to set the standard," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "These changes by Burger King Corp. will improve life for countless farm animals and encourage other companies to abide by animal welfare principles up and down their supply chain."

In 2007, following discussions with HSUS, Burger King Corp. became the nation's first major restaurant company to begin phasing in cage-free products. Yesterday's announcement stems from the company's work on this issue over the past five years.

Burger King Corp. operates more than 12,500 locations worldwide.