“South African restaurants lead the way with cage-free eggs” - SAFCEI

With the celebration of both World Egg Day (10 October) and World Food Day (16 October), this month, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) celebrates the growing number of the country’s restaurants which are choosing to serve cage-free eggs. This decision not only benefits animals but also supports healthier food systems, a sustainable planet, and the values of increasingly conscious consumers.

SAFCEI’s Corporate Engagement Coordinator, Mmathapelo Mosekedi says, “Celebrating food and life means making choices that not only care for our health but for animals too. This World Egg Day, we encourage more restaurants to go cage-free and lead the way towards more sustainable and healthier food systems. Caged chickens are susceptible to absorbing insecticides and cleaning chemicals used in farms, which can affect hormonal balance in humans, in the long-term. This is why SAFCEI encourages restaurants and the entire hospitality industry to go cage-free.”

Currently, 95% of egg-laying hens in South Africa are confined in battery cages, each cage giving a hen no more space than an A4 sheet of paper. These cages prevent hens from performing natural behaviours such as nesting, perching, walking, and spreading their wings, which in turn deprives them of basic development in bone structure and freedom of movement, causing impaired coordination and lethargy.

In contrast, cage-free systems allow hens the freedom to move and engage in these essential behaviours. This small but significant shift improves animal welfare, contributes to a more just food system, and aligns with global trends toward ethical food production.

Bootlegger says, “Ethical sourcing isn't separate from quality, it's fundamental to it. Our switch to cage-free eggs strengthens our supply chain, ensures ingredient integrity, and delivers on our promise to serve food our customers can trust.”

Meraki Coffee House says, "Our respect extends beyond our guests to the animals that provide our ingredients. Cage-free eggs allow us to support higher welfare practices while serving wholesome, ethically sourced food."

Bootlegger, Giovanni’s, the Coffee Guy Noordehoek, the Farm Shack and Meraki Coffee House have committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs to serve their customers. These eateries have joined a growing movement of South African food suppliers and international counterparts who are embracing kinder and more sustainable food choices which respect animals, environmental sustainability and respond to the demands of informed consumers.

“By committing to cage-free sourcing, businesses are not only improving animal welfare but also meeting the rising expectations of South African consumers who want food that is farmed with integrity,” says SAFCEI.

Giovanni’s Restaurant says, "We believe that the food we serve should reflect our values. Choosing cage-free eggs is a simple but powerful way to ensure the animals are treated with care while delivering a better-quality product to our customers."

From the first cup of coffee to family meals shared at the table, people’s food choices matter. By switching to cage-free eggs, restaurants send a powerful message that food should be ethical, sustainable, and provide optimal health benefits.

“When food businesses commit to cage-free sourcing, they demonstrate that a just and sustainable food system is possible. Together, we can co-create a future that respects animals, protects the environment, and provides healthier choices for all,” says Mosekedi.

Get Involved

Food businesses that would like to commit to cage-free egg sourcing are encouraged to contact Mmathapelo Mosekedi (mmathapelo@safcei.org.za) at SAFCEI or visit https://cagefreesouthafrica.org/ to become part of this ethical and sustainable food movement.