The Consumer and the Egg

This document summarizes the findings of a study about consumer understanding of egg labeling terms related to animal welfare standards. The study found that most consumers care about issues like environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and supporting local economies when buying eggs. However, many were confused about what various labeling terms like "cage free" and "free range" actually mean in terms of how the hens are raised. For example, over 60% of participants thought labels prohibited practices like beak cutting and forced molting, when in fact all labels allow those practices except Certified Humane. The document concludes by encouraging consumers to learn more about their food sources and support farms with higher animal welfare standards.