Janice C. Swanson, Ph.D., Chair
Professor, Director
Animal Behavior and Welfare
Michigan State University
The UEP Certified Guidelines were developed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) comprised of veterinarians and university professors who are recognized experts in hen welfare. This committee was groundbreaking, creating a model for other animal agriculture sectors in the U.S. Using science as the primary guide, the committee worked independently, sharing their expertise and many volunteer hours to create the UEP Certified Conventional Cage Guidelines in 2002. UEP Certified Cage-Free Guidelines, introduced in 2006, were among the first comprehensive cage-free standards developed for egg production.
UEP’s Producer Animal Welfare Committee works along with SAC, also providing guidance and leadership for the program. SAC serves as a sounding board, answering questions and providing expertise for continuous improvement of the program.