What does the label UEP Animal Care Certified signify?
The UEP Certified logos identify eggs in the marketplace as produced by UEP Certified farms and signifies that the hens that laid the eggs were raised under science-based animal well-being guidelines. Each UEP Certified farmer is audited annually by a third-party inspector to ensure they comply with the guidelines.
What is cage-free vs free range?
Free-range eggs Many egg cartons carry the “free-range” label. The main difference between cage-free and free-range eggs is that the latter come from hens that, in addition to the extra space that cage-free birds have, can also access some form of outside area.
What does free range mean USDA?
Eggs labeled “cage-free” or “from free-roaming hens” are laid by hens that are allowed to roam in a room or open area, which is typically a barn or poultry house. “Free-range” or “pasture-fed” eggs are produced by hens raised outdoors or with access to outdoors.
What is free range FDA?
The USDA’s (and industry standard) definition for “Free Range” is that birds must have “outdoor access” or “access to the outdoors.” In some cases, this can mean access only through a “pop hole,” with no full-body access to the outdoors and no minimum space requirement.
What is UEP certification?
UEP Certified provides standards for hens housed in conventional cage and cage-free housing. In 2006, the first UEP Certified cage-free guidelines were established, following the conventional housing guidelines initiated in 2002.
Does Certified Humane mean anything?
The Certified Humane Raised and Handled® logo assures consumers that: The producer meets our Animal Care Standards and applies them to farm animals, from birth through slaughter. Animals are never kept in cages, crates, or tie stalls.
Does free range mean pasture raised?
Unlike free range, the term “pasture raised” is not regulated by the USDA, making third-party certifications even more important when an egg carton says “pasture raised” anywhere on it. At face value, pasture raised means that the hens have more space to roam.
How do you know if meat is free range?
Meat. Free-range poultry must meet legal requirements. The RSPCA states that chickens must have a defined amount of space (no more than 13 birds a square metre), be 56 days old before they are slaughtered and have continuous daytime access to open-air runs, with vegetation, for at least half their lifetime.
Are laying hens given antibiotics?
Due to the effective use of vaccines and on-farm disease prevention, only a small percentage of egg-laying flocks ever receive antibiotics. If they do, it is under the supervision of a veterinarian and only for a short time to treat a specific disease or to prevent a recurring disease.
What is United egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines?
The UEP Certified guidelines allow continuous confinement in crowded cages in dimly lit buildings without natural light and fresh air. Hens only have to be given enough space to stand upright, with a minimum space requirement of 8 by 8 inches for white laying hens kept in a cage.
How legit is certified humane?
Humane Farm Animal Care DBA Certified Humane® is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit certification organization, operating internationally and dedicated to improving the lives of farm animals in food production from birth through slaughter.
Is certified humane better than organic?
The main difference between the certifications is that organic standards are environment based and certified humane standards are animal-welfare based.
Why are American eggs refrigerated?
To keep bacteria to a minimum, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires commercially sold eggs to be stored and transported below 45°F (7°C). Once eggs have been refrigerated, they must be kept refrigerated to prevent condensation from forming on the shell if they warm up.
Are there any eggs that are humane?
Bottom line: The most humane eggs you’ll eat are the ones from chickens allowed to roam and feed on their natural diets. Backyard chickens and free-range farm eggs are the most humane, but if you can’t access these two types, Certified Humane cage-free eggs are your next best bet.
Is pasture raised better than grass fed?
In most cases, grass-fed beef comes from cattle that spend their lives outdoors in a pasture. This is a far less stressful life, and beef obtained from pasture-raised cattle is of a much higher quality as a result.
Is Red Tractor meat free-range?
The Red tractor and Lion Mark schemes also offer free-range production, so their logos may appear on free-range meat and eggs.
What is UEP certified cage-free?
In 2006, the first UEP Certified cage-free guidelines were established, following the conventional housing guidelines initiated in 2002. Egg farmers know excellent hen care can be provided in various housing options, and UEP supports all methods of hen housing, when they assure proper hen well-being and meet or exceed all food safety requirements.
What is a UEP certified egg?
More than 85 percent of eggs produced in the U.S. come from farms that voluntarily participate in UEP Certified, choosing to open their farms to independent auditors. Eggs from certified farms feature the UEP Certified seal on the egg carton.
Where can I buy Certified Humane® products?
Currently Certified Humane ® products can be found in 9 of the top 10 US retailers, in over 10,000 supermarkets in all 50 states. Are you one of them? If not, find out why you should be.
What are the UEP guidelines for optimal hen health?
To demonstrate this commitment, United Egg Producers (UEP) developed guidelines for optimal hen well-being – guidelines that are backed by decades of research and recommendations from an independent Scientific Advisory Committee. UEP Certified established guidelines for conventional cage housing in 2002 and cage-free housing in 2006.