Eggs are a staple protein source in many American households. But deciphering labels on egg cartons has become dizzying to say the least. Terms like “natural,” “farm-fresh” and “cage-free” may seem synonymous and lead you to think the product is more humane or healthy. But is it?
If you are like most consumers, you stand there, entranced by the wall of cartons that are embellished with enticing terminology, feeling completely confused and disillusioned. Do you grab the least expensive option, or maybe the carton with the most visual appeal? No matter your motives, a little understanding can go a long way when it comes to choosing the carton of eggs that’s right for you. For starters, it’s important to understand that outside of “certified organic,” the U.S. government does not set definitions or requirements for egg carton labels. So are all of those other labels for the birds? You decide.
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Certified organic: While the term organic may imply health, what it really means in the context of eggs is that the hens are cage-free and required to have access to the outdoors. They are fed an all-organic diet free of antibiotics. Forced molting, or the loss of feathers, through starvation — which is done to manipulate the egg-laying cycle — is permitted. Yikes.
Cage-free: While you may think cage-free hens are free to roam, there are no standards backing this term. “Cage-free” hens are often housed, by the thousand, in large, barn-like aviaries with as little as one square foot of space per bird. This leaves the chickens with little, if any, room to walk or nest.
Certified humane: Similar to “cage-free,” these birds are un-caged but may be kept indoors at all times. The term “certified humane” is subjective, though there are third-party organizations that audit compliance. Hens often have enough room to perform natural behaviors like nesting, perching and dust-bathing, and there are requirements in place to prevent overcrowding. Forced molting through starvation is prohibited.
Free range/roaming: When it comes to eggs, this label has very little meaning, though it often implies that the birds are cage-free with some room for natural behaviors. There are no requirements or audits in place to guarantee the number of birds housed, outdoor access or feed. Forced molting through starvation is permitted.
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Natural: This label has no definition or association with the welfare of the animal. In short, all eggs are natural.
Omega-3 enriched: While this label has no association with the welfare of the animal, it often means that the bird’s feed is fortified with small amounts of flax or other omega-3-rich food sources. This increases the amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in the egg itself.
Vegetarian-fed: First and foremost, it’s important to note that hens are omnivores, so the demand for hens to be fed a vegetarian diet is a bit nonsensical. The diet also does not in any way impact the welfare of the animal. Vegetarian-fed hens are often fed a grain-based diet with supplemental, artificial amino acids.
Pastured eggs: When you consider the idea of replicating a chicken’s natural environment, pasture-raised birds are the gold standard. The birds spend the majority of their lives outdoors, though the amount and quality of the space can vary from farm to farm. There is indoor shelter available as well. The chickens are able to eat a more natural diet of grass, worms and insects, though this is often supplemented with grains, both organic and conventional, depending on the farm. A newer term cropping up on shelves, “alfresco,” denotes eggs that come from pasture-raised chickens that are fed a conventional diet.
[See: Dietary Guidelines Do-Over.]
Last but not least, let’s put to bed the myth that brown eggs are healthier than white. While brown eggs may look more “organic” in appearance, the only real difference lies in the breed of chicken that lays the egg.
Though an organic, pasture-raised egg may be the most humane option, the price tag is unachievable for most consumers. Use this information to make a decision that feels right to you, and remember that eggs, no matter the label, are a good source of protein and nutrients worthy of gracing your plate.
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Making Sense of Egg Carton Labels originally appeared on usnews.com
