When it comes to buying eggs, you might be overwhelmed by the different labels and claims on the carton. From "free range" to "organic" to "pasture raised" to "cage free", it can be hard to know what you're really getting at the store. But, as it turns out, these labels aren't always what they seem.
No label (Caged hens)
These are the most conventionally-raised eggs at the store. They're usually just labeled with "Grade AA, A, or B". I often imagine them as the eggs in the styrofoam cartons that are $2-4/dozen.
Caged hens in egg production facilities are kept in small, cramped cages for their entire lives, with limited space to move and engage in natural behaviors. They often suffer from physical problems, such as weakened bones, due to the lack of exercise. The harsh and unsanitary conditions can lead to the spread of diseases and infections, and hens are often subjected to mutilation procedures, such as debeaking, without pain relief. These living conditions result in high levels of stress and a shortened lifespan for the hens, leading to animal welfare concerns.
"Cage free"
"Cage free" eggs are from chickens that are not kept in cages, but they may still be kept indoors in a crowded barn.
The most common standards for cage-free eggs include:
- The hens must have access to an outdoor area, although the size and quality of this area can vary.
- The hens must have enough room to move around and engage in natural behaviors such as perching, nesting, and foraging.
- The hens must not be kept in battery cages.
- The hens must not be subject to beak cutting or other forms of physical mutilation.
There's no federal standard for the amount of space required for cage-free hens, and requirements can vary depending on the state or company. Some organizations, such as the United Egg Producers (UEP), have their own guidelines for cage-free egg production that include a minimum of 1 square foot of floor space per hen.
The amount of space alone does not guarantee the welfare of the hens, other factors such as lighting, ventilation, and perching are also important.
"Free range"
"Free range" eggs are from chickens that are allowed to roam freely outdoors, but the truth is that the outdoor area doesn't have to be very large. In fact, the USDA defines "free range" as a minimum of just five minutes per day outside. So, while the chickens may technically be "free range", they may not have much room to roam. It also doesn't specify how much or what kind of outdoor access is required, which means that some farmers may be able to label their eggs as "free-range" even if the birds only have a small door or window to the outside.
The American Humane Association (AHA) has its own "Certified Free Range" program, which sets standards for the welfare of birds raised for eggs, they require the birds to have at least 2 square feet of outdoor space per bird, but this certification is voluntary, and not all free-range farmers will have it.
"Organic"
"Organic" eggs are from chickens that are raised without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals. They must also be fed an organic diet, but again, this doesn't necessarily mean they have access to the outdoors.
In the United States, the standards for organic eggs are set by the National Organic Program (NOP) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These standards include:
- Feed: Hens that produce organic eggs must be fed an organic diet that is free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, and antibiotics.
- Living conditions: Hens must have access to the outdoors and must not be kept in cages, even if their outdoor area is just a small pen or enclosed yard area.
- No use of irradiation or sewage sludge: Organic egg producers are not allowed to use irradiation or sewage sludge in their production process.
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Certification: Organic egg producers must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent, who will conduct annual inspections to ensure that the farm is in compliance with the NOP's standards.
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Labeling: Organic eggs must be labeled as such and must include the name of the certifying agent. Eggs that are labeled as "organic" must have met all the above standards and were produced by hens that were fed organic feed, had access to the outdoors, and were not treated with antibiotics or hormones.
"Pasture raised"
"Pasture raised" eggs are from chickens that are raised on pasture, meaning they have access to grass, bugs, and other natural food sources. But, there is no standard definition for "pasture raised" and it is not regulated by any government body.
There's no federal standard for the term "pasture raised," and it is not a regulated term by the USDA. Some organizations, such as the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA), have their own standards for pasture-raised egg production that include a minimum of 108 square feet per bird of outdoor space, and a minimum of six hours a day of access to the outdoors.
What does it all mean?
Essentially, these labels are not regulated and do not have strict standards, meaning that a farmer can use these terms in any way they choose, as long as it is not deceptive.
The best way to ensure that you're getting eggs from chickens that are truly free range, organic, pasture raised, or cage-free is to buy directly from a local farmer. If buying eggs from the store, keep an eye out for certifications from organizations like the American Humane Association or Animal Welfare Approved.
While these labels may sound good, they don't always tell the whole story. Be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable source to ensure that the eggs you're buying are truly free range/pasture raised and fed a quality diet.
Our standards at Creekside Farms
All of our chickens, whether egg laying hens or meat chickens, are outside every single day once they're old enough to get out of the brooder. They have plenty of access to sunlight and shade, fresh forage, bugs, and room to roam freely. We keep our chickens in what we call "chicken tractors". We do this to protect them from predators, but also to allow us to move them easily (well, somewhat easily haha) every day. It's important for us to keep our chickens on fresh pasture away from their manure and with plenty of access to fresh grass and bugs, but also protected from predators and bad weather. They're fed a non-gmo, soy and corn free feed. Fresh, pasture raised eggs contain 25% more vitamin E, 75% more beta carotene and up to 20 times more Omega-3 fatty acids.