United Egg Producers Certified Egg Facts

Fact: Many egg producers have multiple systems for egg production and are able to provide their customers with eggs from conventional cage systems, cage-free barns, free-range, and organic systems. UEP Certified farmers believe in consumer choice.

Fact: UEP Certified standards provide sufficient space requirements for each hen based on the breed. These science-based standards have increased the amount of space provided to each hen and exceed by nearly 30% the space in cages of those companies not meeting UEP Certified guidelines.

Fact: Modern farming techniques help prevent the spread of avian influenza. Almost all eggs produced in the U.S. originate from farms with modern cage production systems in housing that protect the flock from contact with migratory birds, predators, and other diseases. Few visitors are allowed in poultry houses to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.

Fact: Growth hormones are never fed to pullets being grown for egg-laying nor during the egg-laying period. The hens have a high quality, nutritionally balanced diet. The feed is meticulously formulated with the proper nutrients to produce quality eggs and is perfectly balanced with ingredients made up mostly of corn, soybean meal, vitamins and minerals.

Fact: Until recently the only known method to extend the life of a hen and rejuvenate its reproductive cycle was through the use of a feed withdrawal molt. Through UEP-funded research, new methods have been found to induce a successful molt that does not eliminate feed. Based on these research findings, only molt programs that provide hens with nutritionally adequate feed suitable for a non-producing hen is allowed to use the UEP Certified seal.

Fact: UEP Certified guidelines recommend beak trimming only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism and only when carried out by properly trained and monitored personnel. Some of the advantages of beak trimming include reduced pecking, reduced feather pulling, reduced cannibalism, better feather condition, less fearfulness, less nervousness, less chronic stress and decreased mortality.

Fact: Eggs from conventional cage production typically are 50% - 70% less expensive than non-cage production.

Cage Production Facts

Fact: Under the UEP Certified program cage production systems are both humane and ethical.

Fact: Hens raised in modern cage systems in the UEP Certified program are protected from predators, severe weather and migratory birds that could carry Avian Influenza.

Fact: The UEP Certified program ensures that hens are provided adequate space, nutritious feed, clean water, proper lighting and fresh air daily.

Fact: Hens raised in cages seldom require medicines and only receive them for therapeutic reasons. Hens raised in cage systems typically have fewer diseases and require less medication than cage-free hens.

Facts: Modern cage systems under the UEP Certified program:

• Provide hens with protection from soil borne diseases and diseases that are caused from walking in litter or waste.
• Provide hens with better overall bird health and welfare.
• Allow farm caretaker to visually inspect each hen each day.
• Improve the flocks’ livability, longevity and egg production.
• Allow for cleaner, safer eggs for consumers.
• Provide a more stable supply of eggs to meet consumer demand.