Better Living Staff Writer
Eggs have a lot of labels these days. It seems they
are no longer just eggs. They are all-natural, cage-free, free-range,
hormone-free, organic, farm fresh, etc. Are these labels just there to make the
consumer feel better, or is there truth behind the labels?
Cage Free
It sounds so pleasant, like the chickens are
frolicking free around a farm. Unfortunately, that’s not accurate. The hens are
not in cages, but they’re probably in an aviary, barn or warehouse. The space
they are allotted varies by farm. These chickens are typically better off than
their caged cousins, but they are not running around outdoors.
Omega-3
This label means the chickens were fed fish oil or
flaxseed mixed in with their corn feed. It’s beneficial to eat omega-3 eggs,
but there’s no way to know how much omega-3 you’re actually getting since there
is no regulation.
United Egg
Producers Certified
This is the most misleading label on egg cartons. This
is a voluntary program and most major egg producers comply. However, this
certification allows cruel and inhumane practices, including housing chicken in
wire cages.
Farm Fresh
This label is not regulated and means nothing. The
only way to make sure your eggs are farm fresh is to go to the farm and
purchase them yourself.
Vegetarian
In nature chickens are omnivores, getting protein from
insects and worms. If they are fed vegetarian diets, it’s probably corn feed
with added flaxseeds or something similar.
All-Natural
Another meaningless label. Sorry.
Free Range
This means the hens are cage-free and have access to
outdoors. However, this label isn’t regulated so it’s impossible to know how
much time the chickens actually spend outside.
Organic
Egg producers who use the organic label are subject to
USDA regulation. The hens must be free-range, fed organic feed, and receive no
hormones or antibiotics.
The best way to know where your eggs come from is to
buy from a local farmer. I buy most of mine from Emma Acres in
Ann Arbor. There are several websites where you can find a farmer near you,
such as Local Harvest.
For more information on food labels, please contact
Better Living at (734) 747-0123.
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