Unscrambling Egg Labels

​I've always believed that happy hens lay the healthiest eggs. However, the labels on the cartons can often be more confusing than helpful: should we be looking for cage-free, free-range, or is organic the way to go?
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​If the homeowners association where I live wasn't so strict, there would already be a couple of hens sunning themselves in my backyard. But until the rules change (or I can persuade someone living close by to take on raising chickens, I'm going to have to be more diligent about which eggs I choose at the store.

Despite some pretty hairy documentaries showing an alarming side of farming,  there are still good people out there who care about their chickens.  Here's a brief guide to what the labels really mean.  It looks like certified humane, pasture raised, or organic are the best choices - and worth paying extra for.

• Cage Free: These chickens made it out of the cage, but may still be housed in dark, cramped buildings with little or no access to the outside.
• Free Range:  Another step in the right direction - but it may not be far enough.  Although these chickens must have a way out of the building, there are no regulations as to how much time (if any) they spend outside.
• Vegetarian Fed:  Unlike cows and goat, chickens are omnivores and should be eating bugs and insects.  By forcing vegetarianism on them,  they will probably spend their lives inside a building, away from the food they love to eat.  
• Certified Organic:  The good news for us, is these chickens are fed an organic diet free from antibiotics and hormones.  For the hen, it means being free from a cage and having access to the outside. These standards are defined and verified by the National Organic Program.   
• Pasture Raised​: These lucky ladies get to roam outside, enjoying their natural diet and habits.  Although "pasture-raised" is not regulated by the USDA,  you will usually see this accompanied by the "Certified Humane" label.  This ensures ample outdoor space (108 square feet) which allows for flock rotation (fresh food), along with access to a barn for shelter.
• Humane Certifications:  Only some certifications ensure specific standards regarding animal welfare have been met.  Certified Humane is the most widely used, but others to look for are Animal Welfare Approved, and Whole Foods' Global Animal Partnership, which is a  5-step program. (Anything above step 3 includes enhanced outdoor access.)

Also, don't forget about your local farmers market: it's a great place to find good fresh eggs without having to plow through labels. 

I just have to add that although egg yolks contain cholesterol, they also have an abundance of nutrients (including omega 3's, and hard to find vitamin D.) So, unless you've been advised by your doctor to avoid them, do you really want to throw away the most nutritious and delicious part of the egg?  I think not.  And with that in mind, I'm off to make myself a nice dippy egg!

* Please always follow your doctor's advice if you have a medical condition.

Links
Consumer Reports "Pasture Raised"
Animal Welfare Approved
Certified Humane
​Global Animal Partnership
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