Behind the Label: What are cage free and free range eggs?
By Laura Rillos KVAL NewsEUGENE, Ore. -- Speciality eggs like cage free and free range are growing more popular but there is much debate over what the terms mean. Beyond organic, there are no federal rules for labels, only standard industry definitions. Conventional Eggs Typically, hens are housed in cages for the entirety of their lives. Cage Free Hens are not housed in cages. They live in indoor floor facilities. They get the same type and amount of food as hens who grow regular eggs, according to Greg Satrum, the production manager at Willamette Egg Farms. Satrum says their cage free hens have one square foot of space per bird, but they typically gather around food and water dispensers. Free Range These eggs come from hens that are raised outdoors or have access to the outdoors. Because of seasonal weather, most free range hens are not raised entirely outdoors. They get the same type and amount of food as hens who grow regular eggs, according to Satrum at Willamette Egg Farms. Organic Hens who grow organic eggs are free range and eat organic food -- that is, feed that is grown without most conventional pesticides or commercial fertilizers. Hormone Free Growth hormes are not used in commercial egg production in the U.S. So even if a carton does not say hormone free, those eggs are hormone free. Vegetarian Eggs Hens eat only vegetarian feed with no animal byproducts. Omega-3 Unlike the specialty eggs listed above, eggs labeled Omega-3 are actually enhanced nutritionally. Flax, marine algae or fish oils are added to hen feed in order to increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acid content in yolks. |
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