Eggs-Free Range Or Free Reign

The incredible edible egg. We have all heard this phrase at one time or another. Eggs have been around since the beginning of time. The old riddle of who came first, the chicken or the egg has seemingly propegated the species into untold fame. Maybe it is not that serious, but the fact is, eggs are more popular then ever, very nutritious and delicious.

The proof is in the yolk. Peter Best of Wattagnet.com said at the time of his writing on November 1, 2011 that worldwide, we humans had consumed 1,195 billion eggs or 173 eggs per person. Quite a jump from our poultry sum of 963 billion back in the year 2000.

Increased trends are settling on the popular notion that cage free is the way to go. General Mills decided to implement an initiative to make the switch, partially that is. Under its Corporate Social Responsibility report last year, they announced the endorsement of cage free eggs, by making the switch over from the conventional.

A Promise to purchase at least 1 million hen-friendly eggs. Praiseworthy? Why the switch and is it important enough to effect behavior of the industrialized world?

What is Free Range-Cage Free? Does It Matter?

Free Range eggs are produced using birds that are permitted to roam freely within farmyards, sheds, coops, barns etc. Birds not confined to battery cages or other restrictants. Cage Free usually means that the chickens, hens and the like are not raised in cages. The comparatives between these two terms may depend on country of origin where the birds are raised for egg laying and the laws of that land.

In the U.S. there are no FDA certified terms or labels on the subject and so are open to many variables as to what is acceptable or not under the terms free-range or cage-free. Keep in mind to, that these softer agricultural definitions may suggest a cruelty free environment but the descriptions given are in general terms.

U.S. factory farms confine about 280 million hens in cages or cage like structures so small that the animals have no room to spread their little wings. Cage free birds have 2-3 times more space but face the inevitable, burned or cut beaks so they do not peck each other.

So it can only be hoped that with raised awareness more will straighten up and fly right improving their standards.

However, there is the USDA Organic Seal that is affixed to certified goods that have either 95% or 100% organic ingredients. As far as eggs falling under this category, the birds would have to be on an organic feeding mix or vegetarian diet which would be under constant observation since chickens and hens will eat bugs and grubs.

Other acronyms for the USDA organic seal are NOP Seal, USDA Organic Label and Organic Seal. Acceptance under any of these would mean the product met the standard guidelines to receive the seal.

The discussion of factory farming has gone way beyond the water cooler and has become a hot social topic. An American Farm Bureau funded report conducted a study that revealed 89 percent of Americans polled feel that food companies requiring suppliers they do business with to treat animals kindly, are doing the right thing.

It is a perception that needs work. Without proper regulating, who is to say whether what you are eating is cruelty free or not. U.S. companies are not required to state the actual conditions and can thereby state cage-free or range free at will.

Locally grown is a better option if possible. Farmers who are actively working under humane guidelines are free and willing to boast and offer tours of their animal housing arrangements and will allow you to pick your own eggs.

Nutrition is in the eye of the beholder. Organic would represent a greater vitamin rich product according to some studies but others, including research done by the FDA show inconclusive evidence as to the ultimate choice over free-range or conventional nutrition as being the wiser.

The Bottom Line Corporate Bandwagon

General Mills message: In essence, to see a decrease of the cruel and unusually inhumane treatment of hens and chickens, over to a kinder, gentler process. They had taken a broader step prior to the announcement by changing their European egg purchasing process for Haagen-Dazs, a General Mills owned brand to cage-free.

Unilever followed suit sharing that they would change over 100 percent from their current egg buying habits to cage free. This includes the 350 million eggs used in making their Hellmans' brand mayonnaise.

Not to be left behind, other heavy hitters joining the million egg march are Otis Spunkmeyer, Kraft and Sara Lee, promising to change the many millions of eggs they use to the free range variety. Implementation by each of these corporations may inspire others in the industry. Seeing what was once a far cry for help now turning into a mighty roar for upgraded standards and practices on the age old egg harvesting routine.

Restaurants wanted in on the new egg trail. Subway, Burger King Denny's, Sonic, Quiznos and Red Robin have taken the humanitarian high road. Costo's, Walmart and Safeways have added a spotlight to the cage free arena with sales gearing mightily toward an integrity and concern for poultry's well-being.

Is It Necessary?

That will have to be up to you to decide. WebMD.com has some great information on weighing in on the safer egg choices and explains some distinctions, misconceptions and cleaning procedures you need to be aware of if picking your own eggs.

So, whether you like them over easy, scrambled, baked, or boiled take a closer look at the egg's not so simple plan.