I have long been a proponent of "Free-Range" eggs. I have made extra effort and paid a higher price at the check out in order to support what I thought was a more humane way of raising chickens.Unfortunately, my recent study of free-range eggs has led me to a very disappointing conclusion: "free-range" is the new "all natural".
In the U.S. there are no standards that eggs must meet to be considered "free-range". That means just about any 'ole egg can be labeled as such.
Many egg suppliers will often add "cage free" or "barn roaming" to further their "free-range" claim so when buying your eggs, look for these labels! Or simplify life by choosing "Organic".
Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia to outline Organic Eggs:
Organic egg production is the production of eggs through organic means. In this process, the poultry are fed organic feed. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, organic means that the laying hens must have access to the outdoors and cannot be raised in cages.[1] Organic egg producers cannot use antibiotics except during an infectious outbreak. Only natural molting can occur within the flock; forced molting is not allowed. Organic certification also requires maintenance of basic animal welfare standards.
That seals it for me!! I'm switching to organic - even though the cost of the eggs are double. On the up side, I have found that organic eggs taste better and have better color.
Will you join me in the push for organic eggs? If not for me, do it for those hard working hens. They don't deserved to be penned, injected and forced to produce.
Now it's time to dye some eggs!
