Hen Welfare
Egg Safety Timeline
The UEP Certified guidelines provide for the well-being of egg-laying hens and require participating farmers to provide:
- Code of conduct for proper animal handling signed by trained employees
- Annual compliance audit conducted by independent third-party inspectors
- Scientifically supported space for hens
- Nutritious hormone-free feed, clean water and fresh air at all times and prohibits the use of feed withdrawal molt programs
- Strict biosecurity measures to protect food safety and hen health
- Space for nests and perches in cage-free houses
Download the complete UEP guidelines
Scientific Advisory Committee
More than 10 years ago, UEP convened an independent and unpaid Scientific Advisory Committee to evaluate egg-laying hen welfare standards, review existing research, conduct new research and recommend industry changes. The advisory committee submitted its recommendations for animal welfare standards to UEP. These recommendations became the UEP Certified program. The Scientific Advisory Committee includes:
Committee Members
Patricia Hester, PhD
Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee
Professor, Animal Sciences
Purdue University
Joy Mench, PhD
Vice Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee
University of California-Davis
Paul Thompson, PhD
W.K. Kellogg
Agricultural, Food & Community Ethics
Michigan State University
Ruth Newberry, PhD
Associate Professor
Center for the Study of Animal Well-being
Bill Chase, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Gail Golab, PhD, DVM
Director, Animal Welfare Division
American Veterinary Medical Association
Janice Swanson, PhD
Director, Animal Welfare
Michigan State University
Ex-officio consultant
Consultants
Jeffrey Armstrong, PhD
President
California Polytech State University
Donald E. Conner, PhD
Food Safety Liaison
Auburn University
Hongwei Xin, PhD
Environmental Liaison
Iowa State University
