Page 136 - How to Be a Conscious Eater - Making Food Choices That Are Good for You

32

THE LAUNDRY LIST

OF EGG LABELS

rankly, people do judge a book by its cover. In the grocery
store, you’ll see egg cartons swaddled in so many labels,
Fthey might remind you of vintage suitcases stamped with
alluring stickers of destinations visited. An egg carton may
feature depictions of bright rays of sunshine, cherry-red barns,
or cartoon images of deliriously happy hens. On price, you see
a significant spectrum. The labels range from meaningless to
meaningful, with some gray area in between.

THE FOLLOWING LABELS ARE MEANINGLESS—NOTHING BUT MARKETING:
“Natural” // “All-Natural” // “Fresh” // “Farm-Fresh”

“No Hormones.” This goes without saying in the egg industry.
Hens that lay eggs aren’t allowed to be given hormones. All
eggs are no-hormone eggs.

“United Egg Producers Certified.” This voluntary program looks im-
pressive on a label but acts as the least common denominator
for egg producers, nearly all of whom participate. Its stan-
dards are technically verified, but those standards are so low,
I wouldn’t put any stock in the label: Hens are still confined,
jam-packed with other hens, and deprived of fresh air and
sunlight.

THESE LABELS ARE MEANINGFUL; THE PRACTICES HAVE BEEN
VETTED AND ARE WORTH YOUR ATTENTION:
“Animal Welfare Approved.” Considered the top animal welfare
label on the market by Consumer Reports, this label represents

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