With fast food corporations joining the wave of healthier eating, it’s only fitting that the second largest fast food chain, Burger King, jump on the bandwagon. Burger King has made a statement declaring that by 2017 all eggs and pork will come from cage-free chicken and pork.

Food activists, rejoice.

Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society, has been one of the frontrunners in pushing for corporations to end animal cruelty in the fast food industry.

“So many tens of thousands of animals will now be in better living conditions,” he notes.

Burger King is one of the biggest offenders, purchasing millions of eggs and tens of millions of pounds of pork annually. The decision comes on the heels of McDonalds announcing their new program to instate a healthier menu for consumers. Additionally both McDonalds and Wendy’s have asked their pork suppliers to outline their plans for elimination of gestation crates, crates that house female pig who are breeding through the span of her pregnancy and through most of her adult life.

“For every cage-free egg or piece of bacon from a gestation-free pork system that Burger King sells, animals have been spared lifelong confinement in a cage so small they can barely even move,” said Matthew Prescott, the HSUS food policy director.

But according to the Associated Press, egg and pork producers have argued that easing confinement standards for animals raises production costs and makes those who adjust their practices less competitive.

Though the debate rages on between the food producers and the fast food restaurants, the answer will most likely come from consumers. Gene Gregory, President of the United Egg Producers, insists that it’s consumer’s choice what they will buy, and whether or not they’re willing to pay more.