Move hailed as 'truly momentous'
All leading supermarkets in the United Kingdom have now pledged their commitment to end the sale of caged eggs by 2025.
According to animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming, Asda and Lidl now join Iceland, Morrisons and Aldi in their move to cage-free production.
Other retailers including Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and The Cooperative stopped selling eggs from caged systems years ago.
The announcement follows a petition launched by teenager Lucy Gavaghan, signed by over 185,000 supporters.
A Compassion in World Farming spokesperson described the move as 'a truly momentous turning point for egg laying hens in the UK'.
"With more and more companies pledging to join the growing cage-free movement worldwide, it is clear that the food industry is evolving and finally starting to see animal welfare at its heart," they add.
Farmers Weekly reports the supermarkets are now in consultations with egg suppliers over what will be the new standard for cage-free eggs.
A likely replacement is barn production - where birds are kept indoors but have freedom to roam a shed.
The BEVA has opened two new roles on its Nurse Committee.
