Taco Bell Corp. announced in a press release that 100 percent of its more than 6,000 U.S. corporate and franchised-owned restaurants will exclusively serve cage-free eggs by December 31, 2016.
The move would make Taco Bell the first national quick service restaurant to completely implement the change.
Brian Niccol, the CEO of Taco Bell, said in the press release that quickly implementing the change highlights that the company is "always listening and responding to our customers while doing what is right for our business."
"We are a brand that has our finger on the pulse of not only what appeals to our customers' tastes but also the issues they care most about," he said.
Taco Bell adds in the press release that cage-free egg production supports the natural behaviors of hens, which includes walking, spreading of wings, nesting, and perching.
The move also leads to animals exhibiting lower levels of stress.
Liz Matthews, the chief food innovation officer at Taco Bell, adds in the press release that implementing the change is not impossible to do for the company.
"Delivering a sustainable and safe egg supply to Taco Bell restaurants nationwide in one year is possible due to the brand's large yet flexible infrastructure, and years of close collaboration with our partners," she said.
CBS News adds that Taco Bell's move of implementing the change quickly puts it ahead of McDonald's, Burger King, Starbucks, and others.
The company was the only major fast-food brand that has yet to have a public strategy for shaking up its food sourcing.
CBS News adds that Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken, all three brands that Yum! Brands own, along with other competitors have been knocked in a report from the Consumers Union, Center for Food and Safety, and four other groups in September.
These brands were knocked for their sourcing practices.
The Humane Society of the United States said that approximately 50,000 hens each year will benefit from this change, according to the press release.
