Eggs: What do the labels mean?

As a naturopathic doctor I see it as my job to educate my patients and give them the facts about food production. Unfortunately I see so many marketing schemes which are fooling people into purchasing the "wrong" product.

When it comes to eggs, we often see this as a very important part of many diets. Eggs contain protein and high quality fats. The fats found in egg yolk are very important for a developing child's brain. The proteins in egg whites are very important for a balanced diet.

Please find below some information on eggs. I hope that you find it useful!

If you are looking for eggs from hens not raised in cages (cage-free), here are a few helpful tips:

Certified Organic:
Hens raised free-range (access to roam outdoors, weather permitting). Hens are given perches, nest boxes and dust bathing areas. Provides the most space per bird. Farms are independently audited for animal welfare.

SPCA Certified:
Hens raised either free-range (access to roam outdoors, weather permitting) or free-run (roam freely inside a barn - no outdoor access). Hens are given perches, nest boxes and dust bathing areas. Farms are independently audited for animal welfare.

Free-Range:
Hens have access to the outdoors (weather permitting). If not "certified", farm is not independently audited for animal welfare standards. Visit the farm or check references for guarantees.

Free-Run:
Hens roam freely inside a barn - no outdoor access. If not "certified", farm is not independently audited for animal welfare standards. Visit the farm or check references for guarantees.

All other eggs:
Are from battery-caged hens. These hens are crammed 5 hens per cage into tiny wire cages so small they can barely move, let alone flap even one wing.


Watch out for misleading labels that only say "Omega-3", "Farm fresh", "Natural", or "Vegetarian Feed", as they all come from battery-caged hens.

Even though cage-free hens are not kept in cages, it does not mean that egg production is completely humane.


When egg production declines - after approximately one year - all hens are slaughtered or killed on farm and used for compost. Because of this, some people choose not to buy eggs at all.

What are your options? Find out more at www.chickenout.ca.


THIS POST IS FROM Chicken Out! at THE VANCOUVER HUMANE SOCIETY. For more information please contact info@chickenout.ca or visit their website at www.chickenout.ca.


THANX FOR READING!