Why Choose Cage-Free Eggs?

Cage-free eggs are known for their superior nutritional value compared to conventional eggs. Studies have demonstrated that cage-free eggs typically contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and can contribute to a balanced diet while also reducing environmental impact.

Opting for cage-free eggs can also benefit the environment. Generally, cage-free systems require less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional egg production. Additionally, these systems often prioritize sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing waste management strategies. It is noteworthy that cage systems significantly increase the risk of Salmonella contamination in commercial egg production in the United States.

Approximately 95% of egg-laying hens are confined in battery cages, which are small wire enclosures providing each hen with only about 430 square centimeters (67 square inches) of space, less than the size of a sheet of letter-sized paper. These cages are arranged in rows and stacked in tiers, typically 4-8 levels high. Each cage holds 5-10 hens, and hundreds of thousands of hens may be confined in a single building. In developing countries, more producers are adopting intensive industrial farm animal production (IFAP) systems, which now account for about two-thirds of global egg and poultry production.

This year, all 27 countries in the European Union (EU) are phasing out the use of these barren cages. To study the public health impact of this move, an EU-wide Salmonella survey was launched, collecting over 30,000 samples from more than 5,000 operations across 24 countries. This data represents the best available comparison of Salmonella infection risks among different egg-laying hen housing systems.