Animal Products
Current focus on eggs + pork
Hotels face significant challenges when sourcing animal proteins due to the environmental impacts of feed production and waste, human-health risks from antibiotic use, labor concerns, and major animal-welfare issues such as extreme confinement in egg and pork systems. Each animal species comes with distinct production practices that influence the overall impact of its products.
While eggs and pork have been identified as the animal products to currently focus on, other animal products such as beef, dairy, and seafood (each with well-documented environmental and social challenges) should not be dismissed.
As with all priority categories, a phased approach is recommended. Once a company or hotel has successfully transitioned to responsibly sourced eggs and pork, it should then consider improving the purchasing practices for other animal products.
Certain products such as fois gras, veal, and those made with down feathers, have significant animal welfare concerns; however, they do not have clear sustainable alternatives. Hotels may consider banning these products until clear alternative options are available.
Hotel Action
- Work with suppliers to transition to cage-free eggs and crate-free or higher-welfare pork via verified claims from suppliers and/or credible third-party certifications
- Consider opportunities to reduce overall animal-protein use by offering plant-based alternatives
Click on the following areas to learn more about responsibly sourcing eggs and pork.
Key Impact Areas
Traditional eggs and pork production can consist of inhumane conditions for the animals including inadequate space, behavioral restrictions and physical stress and harm.
Typical non-cage-free eggs farms only provide 67-86 square inches of space per hen. (Animal Equality)
A standard 8.5 × 11 inch sheet of paper = 93.5 square inches
Sows are typically pregnant for more than 50% of their lives. Pregnant sows are confined to crates that prevent lateral movement during their gestation period of 112-116 days, and they can be left to sit in their own waste. (The Humane Society)
The production of eggs and pork requires significant natural resources, including land, water, and energy to grow animal feed. In some regions, feed production contributes to deforestation and habitat loss. Additionally, manure management and other animal byproducts can lead to air, water, and soil contamination if not properly controlled. Together, feed cultivation, manure emissions, and the use of heavy machinery contribute to the sector’s overall greenhouse gas footprint and broader climate impacts. (ASPCA)
Animal Welfare
Traditional eggs and pork production can consist of inhumane conditions for the animals including inadequate space, behavioral restrictions and physical stress and harm.
Typical non-cage-free eggs farms only provide 67-86 square inches of space per hen. (Animal Equality)
A standard 8.5 × 11 inch sheet of paper = 93.5 square inches
Sows are typically pregnant for more than 50% of their lives. Pregnant sows are confined to crates that prevent lateral movement during their gestation period of 112-116 days, and they can be left to sit in their own waste. (The Humane Society)
Environmental
The production of eggs and pork requires significant natural resources, including land, water, and energy to grow animal feed. In some regions, feed production contributes to deforestation and habitat loss. Additionally, manure management and other animal byproducts can lead to air, water, and soil contamination if not properly controlled. Together, feed cultivation, manure emissions, and the use of heavy machinery contribute to the sector’s overall greenhouse gas footprint and broader climate impacts. (ASPCA)
Social
Human Health
The overuse of antibiotics in animals can result in the creation of resistant bacteria. The use of hormones and growth-producing drugs can also have human health impacts. (ASPCA)
Unfair Labor Practives
Farm workers can be exposed to poor working conditions, low pay, and limited job security. Health impacts can result from exposure to dust, ammonia, and pathogens. (ASPCA)
Public Policies - Passed and Proposed as of (X/X/26)
The following states have cage-free eggs and/or pork gestation crate/confinement requirements. (CageFreeLaws.com)
Check city/county policies to also ensure local compliance
Product: Eggs
Law/Bill Proposed: A.C.C R3
Enforcement Date: January 1, 2024
Requirements: All eggs sold must be from cage-free hens
Product: Eggs + Pork
Law/Bill Proposed: Proposition 12
Enforcement Date: January 1, 2024
Requirements: Eggs must be from cage-free hens; pork must be from unconfined pork
Product: Eggs + Pork
Law/Bill Proposed: HB 20-1343
Enforcement Date: January 1, 2025
Requirements: Eggs must be from cage-free hens; pork must meet space requirements
| State | Products Covered | Law/Bill | Enforcement/Effective Date | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arizona |
Eggs |
Proposed A.C.C. R3-2-907 |
Delayed enforcement until 2034 |
All eggs sold must be from cage-free hens |
|
California |
Eggs + Pork |
Proposition 12 |
January 1, 2024 |
Eggs must be from cage-free hens; pork must be from unconfined pork |
|
Colorado |
Eggs + Pork |
HB 20-1343 |
January 1, 2025 |
Eggs must be from cage-free hens; pork must meet space requirements |
|
Massachusetts |
Eggs + Pork |
Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act |
August 23, 2023 |
Eggs must be from cage-free hens; pork must be from unconfined pork |
|
Michigan |
Eggs |
Senate Bill 174 |
December 31, 2024 |
All eggs sold must be from cage-free hens |
|
Nevada |
Eggs |
Assembly Bill 399 |
January 1, 2024 |
All eggs sold must be from cage-free hens |
|
Oregon |
Eggs |
Senate Bill 1019 |
January 1, 2024 |
All eggs sold must be from cage-free hens |
|
Washington |
Eggs |
House Bill 2049 |
January 1, 2024 |
All eggs sold must be from cage-free hens |
*These certifications assess the environmental and social aspects of an agricultural operation more holistically beyond specific animal welfare standards.
Stakeholder Demands
There is growing awareness and demand among consumers and investors for more sustainable and humane farming practices. Numerous advocacy groups are actively campaigning against corporations and educating the public to encourage greater accountability and drive industry-wide change.
Product Alternatives
The following alternatives only focus on improving animal welfare standards for egg and pork products. Suppliers of these products should also be assessed on the environmental and social aspects of their operations. See the Supplier Resources section for more information.
Hotels should also consider the potential to offer plant-based alternatives. Lowering overall consumption of animal products enables hotels to reinvest savings into more sustainable alternatives, including more responsible meat products and plant-based products, even when those products have a higher unit cost. Many guests appreciate the variety of options, which gives hotels the opportunity to diversify menu offerings while integrating sustainability into their operations.
Eggs: There are four product alternatives for conventional eggs. See definitions below.
Hens are not kept in battery cages and can move freely within an indoor area, allowing them to express natural behaviors. Typically, these systems do not include outdoor access.
Hens are never confined to cages and have regular access to the outdoors, where they can forage and roam.
Hens are raised under certified organic standards that require organic feed, no antibiotics or hormones, and outdoor access with the ability to exhibit natural behaviors. Includes additional animal welfare and environmental requirements.
Hens spend most of their time outdoors on pasture with minimal restrictions, providing the largest amount of space per bird when indoors compared to other systems.
Pork: There are four product alternatives for conventional pork. See definitions below.
-
Gestation Crate-Free
-
Group-Housed
-
Organic
-
Pasture-Raised
-
Reduced-Confinement/Crate-Limited Pork
Crates/stalls are not used during any portion of the gestation period; however, standards such as housing quality and space can still vary
Pregnant sows are only confined in gestation crates for 4-6 weeks of pregnancy and then returned to group housing with other pigs in a group system
Pigs are raised with specific standards regarding feed, banning of antibiotics and hormones, outdoor access/ability to display natural behaviors, and other animal welfare requirements
Pigs spend most of their time outdoors without any restrictions and the largest amount of space per bird when indoors
Pregnant sows are treated with limited confinement in crates/stalls over the course of their gestation period (e.g. only during breeding or early pregnancy)
Companies and individual hotels should determine which production standard best aligns with their sourcing goals and operational priorities. Discussions with suppliers should focus on cost, product availability, and the supplier’s ability to verify production methods through credible certifications or other substantiated product claims. Refer to the Third-Party Certifications section below for recognized programs/certifications that verify the production conditions for different egg and pork options.
Third-Party Certifications for Cage-Free Eggs and Responsible/Crate-Free Pork
| Certification | Products Covered | Description | Certifying Body | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
American Humane Certified |
Eggs + Pork (allows temporary confinement) |
American Humane Association |
Hens are cage-free with minimum space requirements; monitored for overall welfare. |
American Humane Association |
|
Animal Welfare Approved |
Eggs + Pork |
Pasture-raised and cage-free hens with strict welfare standards. |
A Greener World |
Considered one of the highest welfare certifications; smaller farms eligible. |
|
Certified Cage Free (USDA) |
Eggs |
Focuses solely on cage-free housing, not outdoor access or additional welfare practices. Not a formal certification but a verification |
USDA (Shell Egg Rule, voluntary label) |
Focuses solely on cage-free housing, not outdoor access or additional welfare practices. Not a formal certification but a verification |
|
Certified Humane |
Eggs + Pork |
Hens must be cage-free with at least 1.5 sq ft per bird; access to perches and nest boxes. |
Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) |
Widely recognized by retailers; focuses on animal welfare, not organic feed. |
|
Food Alliance* Certified |
Eggs + Pork |
Environmental stewardship, fair labor practices, animal welfare, and food safety |
|
|
|
Global Animal Partnership (GAP) 5-Step® |
Eggs + Pork (Step 2+ for crate-free) |
Hens must be cage-free; higher steps include more space and enrichment. |
Global Animal Partnership |
Step 1 = basic cage-free; Step 5+ = pasture access and high welfare |
|
Regenerative Organic* |
Eggs + Pork |
Must have USDA Organic certification and either Animal Welfare Approved, Global Animal Partnership 4, 5 or 5+, or specified Certified Humane certification |
Addresses animal welfare, soil health and farm worker treatment |
|
|
USDA Certified Organic |
Eggs + Pork |
Hens are cage-free, with access to outdoors and organic feed. |
USDA |
Must meet both organic and cage-free standards; outdoor access is required. |
Cost Considerations
Eggs – $-$$
The price of cage-free eggs and free-range eggs will typically be at a premium compared to conventional eggs; on average between $1-2 more per dozen.
Pork – $$-$$$
Compared to eggs, pork products have a higher price premium due to the overall smaller pork market in the U.S. Responsible pork products in California are estimated at 46% higher than conventional pork. Individual hotels in other markets have reported only up to a 10% increase.
Given the variability in cost due to contract terms, volume pricing, location etc, , hotels should consult with current and potential suppliers to understand cost premiums associated with sustainable products.
Government & Corporate Action
77% of cage-free commitments in North America due by 2024 or earlier fulfilled as of July 2025. The percentage of hens in cage-free housing in the United States reached an all-time high of 45.7% in June 2025, reflecting growing momentum across the industry. Open Wing Alliance
Overview of state public policies that regulate the purchase of products within the Priority Categories.
Overview of how the 4 Priority Categories were chosen and links to summary pages for each.
Cost and third-party certifications information that impacts responsible sourcing.
Guidance for engaging with suppliers on transitioning to more sustainable products.
Guidance for establishing goals and communicating progress internally and publicly.
Find relevant resources to begin and improve your responsible sourcing journey.
Human Health
The overuse of antibiotics in animals can result in the creation of resistant bacteria. The use of hormones and growth-producing drugs can also have human health impacts. (ASPCA)
Unfair Labor Practices
Farm workers can be exposed to poor working conditions, low pay, and limited job security. Health impacts can result from exposure to dust, ammonia, and pathogens. (ASPCA)