written by:
Mariangela Hill
Co-op Owner and Board Member
There’s no shortage of feel-good labels on egg cartons—natural, farm fresh, organic, cage-free—but what do they mean, egg-xactly?
Co-op Owner and Board Member Mariangela Hill offered to dive into research mode and help us make sense of them.
In doing my research, I found that the USDA has some good resources about eggs in general, and about egg grades and labels. It was interesting to learn about who is involved in approving certain labels. I found that some labels are regulated by the USDA, others by the FDA, some by individual states, and some are not regulated at all.
Let’s do a deeper dive into labels that we commonly see, but that offer no clear distinction when comparing one carton of eggs with another.
EGG LABELS
Natural: Let’s start with the most obvious. An egg is (currently) not created in a lab from all sorts of chemicals and fillers. It’s a product that comes straight out of a chicken, thus the “natural” label. So as such, this word doesn’t distinguish one egg carton from any other.
Farm Fresh or Farm Raised: These words evoke an image of a sunny grassy field with cows grazing nearby, a dog barking, and a rustic red barn in the background. However, these terms are often used interchangeably on egg cartons and are an indication that the egg wasn’t previously frozen.
No Hormones: U.S. regulations require that chickens sold for meat or that produce eggs not be given any hormones, although this does not include feed fed to some chickens that may contain pesticides or GMOs. This term is therefore also irrelevant when comparing eggs because all eggs are hormone-free.
Now let’s do a deeper-dive into some of the other labels you commonly see on egg cartons that can be confusing:
Farm Raised: Current U.S. regulations allow egg producers whose farms are indoor facilities without outdoor access, or whose hens are raised in cages to still use “farm raised” and “farm fresh” labels on their egg cartons.
Cage Free: This label can indicate a broad range of realities. While these chickens may not be in cages, it is still possible they are raised in cramped indoor facilities with limited to no outdoor access – regulations require a calculation of approximately 1 square foot per hen. This means that outdoor access may be limited to those chickens who can reach the outdoors during their possibly limited exposure time.
Free Range: This FDA label indicates that chickens have some access to the outdoors, but the amount of time outdoors and quality of space varies. Regulations require a calculation of less that 2 square feet per hen, and the outdoor space is loosely defined, so it could be concrete or dirt or with or without vegetation.
Pasture Raised: Although USDA does not regulate the use of this label it does require some documentation from farmers for its usage. It indicates the chickens spend some time outdoors. Pasture-raised hens tend to eat more to regulate their temperatures and maintain their energy levels, so some hens may have their diets supplemented by feed that may be GMO.
Pasture Raised accompanied by Certified Humane®, Animal Welfare Approved by AGW or American Humane Certified:
When a label that says “Pasture Raised” is followed by “Certified Humane®”, this means that there is an added layer of regulation indicating that the hens have been given more space to roam and allowed to forage. A happier and healthier chicken that’s given outdoor space and allowed to forage for a number of hours each week is likely to produce more nutritious eggs.
Outdoor pasture experiences where a hen is likely to roam outdoors for at least part of the day increases the likelihood of natural diets which include grass, bugs and worms. This in turn increases the eggs’ nutrient levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both good for heart health and reducing inflammation, as well as vitamin E and vitamin D. However, some studies I reviewed while doing research indicate that any difference is minimal at most. Taste-wise, some folks seem to feel pasture-raised eggs have more flavor and a creamier yolk.
A third-party service assigns the accompanying label of “Certified Humane®”, “Animal Welfare Approved by AGW,” or “American Humane Certified”, not the FDA or USDA. It is this service that sets up the standards of measure for these labels through a committee of reputable researchers, veterinarians, and animal scientists. They grant this seal if their standards are met.
Certified Organic:
Hens are frequently raised in much more humane environments with access to the outdoors and are free from certain medications and additives. When an egg producer provides their hens outdoor access, organic feed which excludes animal byproducts, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, and antibiotic-free treatment, their eggs can qualify for this label. The USDA oversees the Certified Organic program for eggs, while the FDA regulates some aspects of the production and labeling. Egg producers are subject to on-farm inspections by the USDA to monitor and ensure compliance.
EGG SIZES
Now that we have tackled the issue of labels, let’s do a deeper dive into egg sizes. Which is the perfect egg size for you and your family? It really depends – some folks like two eggs in the morning, while others want more than one but not quite two. With current egg prices, you want to purchase the size you need to avoid waste. This egg size and weight chart (per dozen) below is from the USDA site:
| Size or Weight Class | Minimum net weight per dozen |
|---|---|
| Jumbo | 30 ounces |
| Extra Large | 27 ounces |
| Large | 24 ounces |
| Medium | 21 ounces |
| Small | 18 ounces |
| Peewee | 15 ounces |
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Egg Grades: Is one egg smarter than the other? Perhaps, but when we refer to egg grades it’s about how they look. Egg grades are based primarily on the visible aesthetic quality of the exterior and interior of the egg which include: (i) shell condition, (ii) air cell size and (iii) egg yolk and egg white appearance. Here’s the USDA’s grading system to determine which eggs make the cut:
AA – freshest and highest quality. This grade is assigned for eggs with thick firm whites, high, round yolks, and clean shells.
A – high quality. This grade reflects whites that are “reasonably” firm which seems to be the quality most found in stores. Co-opportunity Market only carries Grade A eggs.
B – not a bad egg, but just not as pretty. Eggs with this grade are usually used for baking, or to make liquid, frozen or dried egg products. They have thinner whites, yolks might be wider and flatter and their shells might have some stains.
Shell Color: The color of an egg does not affect its nutritional value, so this is mostly an aesthetic choice.
Dates on Cartons: Expiration dates, labeled as “EXP”, Sell By” or “Not to be sold after the date at the end of the carton” are dates that cannot exceed 30 days from the packing date. “Use by”, “Use before”, “best before” are dates not to exceed 45 days from packing (including the packing date) and indicate the length of time recommended to maintain quality when stored under ideal conditions.
I hope you feel better able to decipher labels the next time you are at Co-opportunity Market buying eggs. Are some of those labels worth shelling out more money than others you may ask? Well, given that eggs prices can vary I think it depends on your budget and what you feel is important for you. I would recommend though, to learn more about egg producers, especially to learn more about labels that are not regulated.
If you are trying to figure out what to bake with your next egg purchase, you will find recipes for Chocolate Souffle and Banana Bread, along with other delights on the Co-opportunity Market’s website.
