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Natural, Organic, and Cage-Free Eggs Frequently Asked Questions about Natural, Organic, and Cage-Free Eggs
What makes eggs all-natural?
All Natural eggs are produced by hens that are fed an all-natural whole grain diet consisting of primarily whole ground corn and soybean meal. There are no preservatives or antibiotics, or animal fat or animal by-products, added to the feed ration.
What about regular supermarket eggs?
Regular eggs found in the supermarket, under various brands, are typically produced by hens fed a diet supplemented by animal fats and by-products. These additives boost energy intake, which is cost effective in the production of ordinary supermarket eggs.
What makes an egg Organic ?
Organic eggs are produced by cage-free hens that are fed a diet that is all-natural, 100% USDA - certified organic, vegetarian diet. Grain used in organic feed must be produced on land that is free from the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers.
What does Cage Free mean?
Cage-Free eggs are produced by hens housed in a cage-free protected area where they are free to roam, perch, scratch and nest. Cage Free hens receive natural sunlight, shade, shelter, an exercise area, fresh air, and are protected from predators. Cage Free chickens are typically fed an organic, natural feed as well.
What are Omega-3 or Omega-supplemented eggs?
Eggs with Omega-3 are produced by hens fed a Natural, Vegetarian diet, enhanced with flax-seed oil, and other natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, each egg contains higher levels of omega-3.
What is the difference between brown eggs and white-shelled eggs?
The breed of hen determines the color of the egg shell. Breeds with white feathers, such as the Single-Comb White Leghorns, produce white-shelled eggs; breeds with red feathers, such as the Rhode Island Red, lay brown eggs. There is no difference between white and brown egg quality, nutritive value, or cooking characteristics.
Is the care of hens producing Natural, Organic, and Cage Free eggs certified?
Yes. All farms and facilities involved with the production of Eggs meet the Animal Care Certification Guidelines endorsed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA).
What is the purpose of the “Grade A” and "USDA" logo on the front panel of the carton?
The classification of an egg is determined by the interior and exterior quality of the egg, according to standards established by USDA.
There are many eggs packaged that carry a "Grade A" or "Grade AA" statement, but the USDA shield is additional confirmation to consumers of strict quality standards. Although not required, and certainly more expensive, in-house USDA inspectors provide an independent audit of shell egg quality as part of the full-time quality assurance program.
What does the "USDA Organic" seal on the carton signify?
The USDA Organic seal on the carton assures consumers that this product are certified organic by independent agencies accredited by the UDSA. In order to qualify for USDA organic certification, the grains used for our hens’ diets must be produced on land that has been free from the use of toxic and persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers for a minimum of three years. Genetically engineered crops are not permitted and hens must be maintained without hormones, antibiotics, and other intrusive drugs.
What do the "sell by" or "best before" dates on the carton really mean?
Since all Grade A and Grade AA All-Natural Eggs are USDA inspected, the "sell by" date represents the maximum days allowed by federal and/or state laws between the actual date the eggs were inspected and packaged, and the date when they should be sold from the retail store. "Best before" dates represent the recommended date by which to use the eggs while they're still Grade A or Grade AA quality (when properly refrigerated).
The date is beneficial in two ways. First, it provides the customer a guideline as to when the eggs should be sold from the retail shelves or consumed at their best quality. Second, it provides store personnel with a visual means to implement proper product rotation.
How long after the "sell by" or "best before" date can I eat the eggs?
Under proper refrigeration there isn't a definite timetable for defining an egg as either good or bad. Many eggs are still good (from the standpoint of nutritional content) for weeks, maybe even months after the code date. However, visual appearance and odor should be the determining factors as to whether or not an egg should be consumed.
What is the risk of salmonella for these eggs?
All-Natural Eggs are produced under a very rigid SE (Salmonella Enteritis) prevention program. The hen's environment is tested for SE at hatch date, through the pullet grow-out period and throughout the lay cycle. Of course, all eggs should still be handled and prepared properly to prevent cross-contamination, which could result in food-borne illness. Eggland’s Best asserts that they have further reduced the risk of salmonella because the all-vegetarian, high-quality hen feed has no animal fat, no animal by-products, and no recycled or processed food which could be contaminated.
Why do Natural and Organic Eggs cost more than regular eggs?
The special all-natural diet is much more expensive than the ration used for regular egg production. This diet gives All-Natural Eggs a darker and richer tasting yolk. The highest fresh egg quality control program possible backs our eggs and provides our customers consistent high-quality products.
Are the clear plastic or foam egg cartons environmentally friendly and recyclable?
Yes. Recycle them as you would a soda bottle. In addition, Natural and Organic eggs are typically packaged in 100% recycle material made 100% from recycled materials, and take additional steps to reduce waste and promote superior environmental practices.
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