Fact: U.S. egg farmers are committed to the humane and ethical treatment of animals. Many of the farms are family-owned and operated.

Fact: United Egg Producers Certified standards are based upon recommendations from an independent scientific advisory committee and 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 by nearly 30% and exceed the space in cages of those companies not meeting UEP Certified guidelines.

Fact: There is an increasing consumer interest in organic foods of all kinds. While we have seen small increases in the purchases of specialty eggs, their sales volume still only represents about 5% of egg sales nationwide.

Fact: While it is true that in some cage systems the cages are in a stack system, there are partitions or manure conveyor belts to protect the hens in lower level cages.

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: 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 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. Modern cage systems allow for daily inspection and monitoring of hens for diseases, and quick treatment. Most egg facilities have extensive bio-security programs that include cleaning and disinfecting of housing and equipment between flock cycles and all transport equipment for moving birds in and out of the houses; careful planning to keep flocks protected from other domestic and wild birds; fully developed and monitored immunization programs to keep flocks healthy; and complete training of all employees concerning bio-security procedures.

Fact: Cage-free and free-range hens require continuous medicated feed for some diseases and often require more drugs than cage hens, because of their constant exposure and contact with litter and waste on barn floors. Hens in cage systems seldom require drugs and only receive medicines or drugs for therapeutic reasons. In fact, hens kept in cage-free, organic, or free-range systems have higher rates of mortality than those kept in cage production systems.

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.