Cage-free, Free-range, & Pasture-raised
Easter and Passover are nearly upon us and whether you celebrate or not, many baskets and dinner tables will soon be laden with eggs. When shopping for eggs, you’ll see statements referred to as “production claims,” such as “cage-free,” “free-range,” or “pasture-raised,” all of which focus on the living conditions of the hens and how eggs are produced. But these terms aren’t nearly as clear as they may seem, and Eatiquette is dedicated to label transparency, so let’s crack open the truth on egg claims! Here are a number of popular third-party certifiers that you will find on egg cartons:
- United States Department of Agriculture: The term “cage-free” is regulated by the USDA and means that hens must be able to roam in indoor facilities, have access to fresh food and water, be able to exhibit natural behaviors like scratching and roosting, and have access to litter and protection from predators. A USDA grade A or of grade AA says nothing about the living conditions of the hen.
- United Egg Producers: Because the USDA regulation is so general, other organizations stepped in with their own in-house certifications that go farther than the USDA. The eggs originate from independent farmers, and a third party certifies the animal welfare standards of the UEP Certified Program.
- Certified Human® program: Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), a non-profit certification group, sets high standards for rearing hens in their Certified Humane® program, with specifications on everything from space requirements and litter, to air and light. The HFAC Certified Humane® third-party certified label guarantees that those producers adhere to strict standards of humane care, including cage-free conditions.
- American Humane Certified: The American Humane certification is a third-party certification that is administered by the American Humane Society. All eggs that are labeled American Humane Certified are raised cage-free.
- Animal Welfare Approved: Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW (AWA) is an independent, non-profit farm certification program. Hens on farms certified by the AWA are never caged and are guaranteed to be pasture-raised.
- Global Animal Partnership: The Global Animal Partnership is a third-party certifier that offers a multi-tier certification system (specifically six certifications). They allow for multiple types of hen producers to be certified, from indoor systems to pasture-raised. The written claim indicates “CertifiedGAP.org”
No claim / Organic, Omega- or Feed-related claims
These claims say nothing on the living conditions of the hen. An estimated 90% of the eggs on the market are caged throughout their life.
Cage-free
The cage-free claim refers to hens living outside of cages. While cage-free hens are “free to roam,” they can still be kept in crowded living conditions with hens basically one on top of another, just not in cages.
Free-range
The free-range claim refers to conditions where hens are given more space to roam and must have access to the outdoors, though the way the term is applied is variable.
Pasture-raised
The pasture-raised claim allows for even more space for hens to roam than the free-range definition, specifically, most certifications require 108 sq ft/hen.
Cage-Free |
Free-Range |
Pasture-Raised |
|
USDA
|
Freedom to roam – no space reqt | Continuous access to outdoors during laying cycle | No regulated certification |
UEP
|
1- 1.5 sq ft/hen, depending on the housing type. | No uniform standards | No uniform standards |
Certified Humane (HFAC)
|
1- 1.5 sq ft/hen, depending on the housing type. | 2.0 sq ft/hen Minimum of 6 hour/day outdoor access | 108 sq ft/hen of pasture Minimum of 6 hours/day in pasture. Max 14 days indoors, access to (mobile) housing. |
American Humane Certified
|
1- 1.5 sq ft/hen, depending on the housing type. | 21.8 sq ft/hen Minimum of 8 hour/day outdoor access | 108.9 sq ft/hen and water, shade, protection Max 90 days indoors, access to (mobile) housing |
Animal Welfare Approved
|
1.8 sq ft/hen in indoor systems | Continuous daytime ranging foraging access | Guarantees animals are raised on pasture |
Global Animal Partnership (Animal Welfare Certified)
|
Never caged – allows 1.5 sq ft/hen in indoor systems (level 1 and 2) | Seasonal, continuous access to pasture with winter housing(level 3) | Raised on pasture with access to housing or shelter (level 4,5 and 5+) |
Some companies put their own “free-range” or “cage-free” on pack rather than seeking certification from a third-party. But be aware that a third-party certification means that an independent organization has reviewed the living conditions of the hens and independently determined whether specific standards were met or not. This process seems more transparent than a group or producer trying to police themselves without any outside verification. You’ll see from this photo of the eggs in her fridge that Trilety chose free-range eggs certified by HFAC.
Too often, there is a disparity between a claim on a package and the way a consumer interprets that claim, so it’s always good to do a little research. To keep getting transparent information about labeling practices sign up to get Eatiquette blogs in your mailbox. Until then, roam free like a free-range hen!