Our Beliefs on Animal Welfare statement outlines our stance on specific animal welfare issues including our position on responsible antibiotic use and reduced confinement of farm animals. Our values are aligned with the U.K. Animal Welfare Committee’s Five Freedoms, which calls for a good quality of life for farm animals.

In 2022, all animal proteins served on salads, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and warm bowls in our U.S. cafes met Panera’s animal welfare requirements, with the exception of a portion of our turkey due to supply chain shortages triggered by the avian influenza. This included chicken, raised without antibiotics; sows raised in group housing once pregnancy is confirmed, and cage-free primary eggs. See our 2022 Responsibility Update for more information.

Broiler Hens

Chicken is our most commonly served animal protein. In 2016, alongside many other companies, we committed to higher welfare standards for broiler chickens, including breeds with better outcomes, improved growing environments and more humane slaughter (see our Broiler Chicken Commitment). We are working to improve welfare standards and are committed to reporting annually our progress towards the standards outlined in the Better Chicken Commitment. See progress in our 2022 Responsibility Update.

Cage-Free Eggs

We remain committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs across all products by the end of 2025. Learn more in our 2022 Responsibility Update.