Egg Carton Labels: Unscrambled

We’ve all been there – staring at the egg choices and trying to figure out which one to buy. Free range? Brown? Organic? There are so many choices available, but what does it all mean? Which is the healthiest choice?

So, here’s the scoop on what those egg carton labels REALLY mean.

But, first, let’s talk about the egg industry in general. (Fair warning here- this is not gonna be pretty so if you have a sensitive stomach or think ignorance is bliss, don’t continue reading this one!) All male chicks, since they don’t lay eggs, are killed – gassed, ground up, or thrown live into plastic bags. The hens are then debeaked- their beaks are cut and/or burned off to prevent pecking each other to death, which happens frequently since they live in such close quarters in the factory farming system. Hens are forced to molt to encourage them to lay for a longer period of time and this is usually accomplished by starving the chickens. The chickens are crammed into battery cages that are so tight that they can’t spread their wings.

Awwww…sorry, but it had to be said. There’s certainly lots of graphic info on the PETA website if you want more info.

Now on to the egg labels and what they actually mean. Here are some of the most common labels you’ll find at your local grocery store: 

Natural: Means nothing in regards to eggs. Natural means the egg is an egg. Neither the FDA nor the USDA have any definitions for “natural” when it comes to eggs. Natural eggs may have come from hens filled with antibiotics, feed containing arsenic and/or GMO corn and soy. It absolutely does not mean the chickens were raised in clean, humane conditions.

Cage-Free:  Means that chickens are not kept in the tiny battery cages used in most operations. They don’t, however, live outside and roam free. Their diets are not free of arsenic or antibiotics. It’s true that cage-free eggs may be slightly healthier because cages generate more fecal dust, disease-carrying rodents are more prevalent, and the cages are hard to disinfect. Keep in mind that there is no agency that certifies egg producers as cage-free, so you’re really taking their word for it.

Free-Range: Means that chickens are usually in open barns or warehouses, but may never see a beam of sunlight in their lives. Their diets may include arsenic and antibiotics and they are often times debeaked and forced to molt. Again, no agency certifies this.

Organic: Means that hens were not enclosed in battery cages and that they must be offered access to the outdoors, but the amount and duration of outdoor access isn’t defined. Hens were fed certified-organic feed, free of arsenic, antibiotics, pesticides, animal byproducts, and GMOs. Forced molting and debeaking are permitted. The USDA does annual audits of these operations.

Omega-3 Enriched: Means that hens were fed with an increased amount of omega-3 feed. Don’t equate this label with better living standards for the chickens because they could be in the worst conditions, but fed the omega-3 feed.

Certified Humane: Means that birds must be cage-free and fed a diet free of animal byproducts and arsenic. Antibiotic use is allowed under the supervision of  a vet. There’s no requirements that chickens have access to the outdoors, but they must have space for natural behaviors such as scratching and perching. Monitored and certified annually by the Humane Farm Animal Care Organization.

Animal-Welfare Approved: Means that chickens are cage-free and continuous outdoor access is required. They must be able to perform their natural behaviors and to molt naturally. Beak cutting is prohibited. Antibiotics are allowed, but that animal must be removed from egg-laying operations for a period of time. Although organic food isn’t required, it’s encouraged. Farmers are subject to annual audits by the Animal Welfare Institute.

Pastured: Means that chickens are often housed on grass and given free access to the outdoors. They have fresh grass, dirt, and bugs to peck. Studies have shown chickens raised on pasture have twice the amount of Vitamin E and more than 2.5 times more omega-3. Again, no regulation so you need to trust the farmer. If you’re buying from a local farmer (which is what I highly recommend), ask about the chickens’ living conditions, what they’re eating, and if they’ve been treated with antibiotics. Heck, ask if you can visit the hens yourself!

Currently, the USDA has no standards for using the claims on egg cartons. That means it’s up to you as a consumer to know what these labels actually mean and buy what you think is best for your health, and that of your family.