McDonald's, Target Statement on Egg Farm Investigation

Nov. 18, 2011 — -- Following an ABC News "20/20" investigation into potentially unhealthy conditions at Sparboe Farms, an egg producer whose customers include a McDonald's supplier, the fast food giant announced it would no longer accept eggs from that farm. Late the same day, major retailer Target also said it had dropped the Sparboe as a supplier.

READ: McDonald's Dumps McMuffin Egg Factory Over Health Concerns

Below is McDonald's and Tareget's full statements on its decision to cut ties with Sparboe.

McDonald's StatementMcDonald's expects all of our suppliers to meet our stringent requirements for delivering high quality food prepared in a humane and responsible manner.

Based upon recent information, we have informed our direct supplier, Cargill, that we will no longer accept eggs from its supplier, Sparboe. This decision is based on McDonald's and Cargill's concern regarding the management of Sparboe's facilities.

This is not a food safety issue for our menu items. We can assure our customers that eggs in our entire supply chain meet McDonald's high standards for quality and safety.

Our primary commitment is to our customers, and we will continue serving safe, high-quality food without disruption.

Bob Langert
McDonald's Vice President, Sustainability

Target Statement

Target is committed to delivering outstanding quality and uncompromising safety with every owned-brand food product. We expect and rely on our vendors to operate facilities that meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Having been made aware of the unacceptable conditions in the company's egg laying facilities, effective immediately, Target will discontinue its business relationship with Sparboe Farms. We are currently in the process of notifying our teams to remove the product from store shelves.