How to Be a Conscious Eater

32

THE LAUNDRY LIST

OF EGG LABELS

F

rankly, people do judge a book by its cover. In the grocery

store, you’ll see egg cartons swaddled in so many labels,

they 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

Stuff That comes from animals 125

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