International Activists Give Mostaza a Red Card Over Its Failure to Commit to Cage-Free Eggs
Argentina's second-largest burger chain was the focus of Sinergia Animal's largest public demonstration to date, with activists from around the world staging a World Cup-inspired protest to demand that Mostaza commit to cage-free eggs.
Activists Gathered at Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, June 9, 2026 — More than 70 activists gathered at Plaza de Mayo to give Mostaza a red card and call on the company to publicly commit to sourcing only cage-free eggs.
Organized by Sinergia Animal, the demonstration transformed one of Argentina's most iconic public squares into a World Cup-style football stadium. Leading the march was a three-meter banner designed as a football pitch, where a symbolic match played out between animal welfare and corporate indifference.
Dozens of activists held giant red cards while a traditional football supporters' band filled the square with drums, chants, and stadium energy. The message was unmistakable: "Red Card for Mostaza for Playing Dirty with Animals."
The performance also featured signs reading "Mostaza, you're the only one backing down," "Stop wasting time while animals suffer," "#RedCardForMostaza," and "Mostaza deserves a red card," alongside a giant VAR display that penalized the company for failing to make a cage-free commitment, a step already taken by its major competitors.
Carolina Galvani, Executive Director of Sinergia Animal
"Today, we brought together people from different corners of the world to shine a light on a situation that can no longer be ignored. While millions of hens remain trapped in systems that severely restrict their movement, one of Argentina's largest restaurant chains continues to refuse to adopt even a basic cage-free commitment. It's time for Mostaza to stop looking the other way and join the growing number of companies that have already committed to improving animal welfare," said Carolina Galvani, Executive Director of Sinergia Animal.
Over the past seven years, Sinergia Animal has repeatedly attempted to engage with Mostaza to encourage the company to transition to cage-free egg sourcing. At the beginning of June, Sinergia Animal again contacted the company by email after several unsuccessful visits to its offices, during which representatives were unable to meet with company staff. To date, Mostaza has not responded.
Mostaza is Argentina's second-largest burger chain and the only major national fast-food brand that has not adopted a cage-free egg sourcing policy. Companies including McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, and Carne Hamburguesas have already announced commitments to transition to cage-free eggs.
Why the Red Card?
The demonstration aimed to highlight a reality that remains largely hidden from consumers. In Argentina, around 62 million laying hens are used by the egg industry, and many are confined in battery cages that prevent them from carrying out natural behaviors such as walking, spreading their wings, nesting, and perching.
The highest per-capita egg consumption in the world. As all eyes are on the football World Cup, it is unacceptable that Mostaza has invested millions in marketing campaigns featuring football stars while Argentina's leading restaurant chains continue to lag behind on animal welfare.
"Argentinians are used to competing at the highest level. That's why we believe a market-leading company should keep pace with its competitors. While other chains have moved forward, Mostaza continues to stall. What we're asking for is simple: a concrete commitment to leave cages behind and build a more responsible supply chain. Mostaza markets itself with slogans like 'double egg' and 'never backs down,' yet its actions tell a very different story," said Romina Viscarret, Director of Sinergia Animal Argentina.
We will continue calling on Mostaza to adopt a meaningful cage-free egg commitment until the company takes concrete action to improve the lives of hens in its supply chain.
