Image representative of typical battery cage farm
What’s the problem?
Target is neglecting concerns of animal cruelty. The company is falling behind the food industry by continuing to sell eggs from caged hens. Despite stakeholder concerns, Target continues to support controversial battery cage farms where chickens are confined in cages so small that they can barely move with no plan to phase them out. This practice is so unsafe and inhumane that it is illegal in many U.S. states and the entire European Union.
When confronted with these concerns, Target director Derica Rice has remained silent.
Who is Derica Rice?
Derica is a career executive with decades of experience. He previously served as Executive Vice President of CVS Health Corporation and held several executive positions with Eli Lilly and Company. He currently serves on the boards of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, The Carlyle Group Inc., Tessera Therapeutics and The Walt Disney Company. Most importantly, from 2007-2018 and since 2020, he has served on the Board of Directors at Target.
Under his watch, animals are suffering.
Can customers trust Target to do the right thing?
Target has historically enjoyed a positive reputation for its commitments to sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency. Now, the company has a concerning track record of weakening or backtracking on animal welfare policies. The company is even falling behind U.S. fast food chains such as McDonald’s and Taco Bell that have eliminated battery cage eggs from their menus. Retail giant Costco is nearly 100 percent cage-free and even dollar stores are installing signs on their egg shelves to educate customers and help shift the market toward cage-free eggs.