Woolworths Limited
(ASX:WOW) says it will phase out the sale of eggs from caged hens by 2018.
Woolworths has also committed to no longer using caged eggs as an ingredient in their home brand products and to label the chicken stocking density on Woolworths brand free range eggs.
But Victorian Farmers' Federation egg group president Brian Ahmed told media the move will be costly for farmers and is upsetting for the egg industry.
Mr Ahmed says farmers would be forced to change their systems to continue to be a part of the egg industry.
Animals Australia campaign director Lyn White told media the decision was a win for animals and consumer power.
Woolworths reported a net profit of $2.26 billion in fiscal 2013.
