Eggs
The Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals estimates that 98 per cent of Canada’s 26 million egg-laying hens are kept in battery cages. These cages are generally 16” x 18”, and hold four to six hens each. Each hen has less living space than a sheet of paper, which means they cannot spread their wings or move freely. To prevent cannibalization, each hen is debeaked, itself a painful process.
If these conditions disgust you, large and small grocers alike are offering other options. “Cage free,” “free range”, “free run”, and organic eggs are starting to enter the mainstream; in Europe, many major retailers such as Waitrose and Marks & Spencer only sell and use cage-free/free-range eggs in their products.
What is the difference between free range and free run? Free-range eggs are produced by hens that can roam freely outdoors and return to sheds or henhouses at night. Free-run eggs are produced by hens allowed to roam around an enclosed barn and provided with nesting boxes in which to lay eggs. Because of our cold winters, most Canadian hens can only be free range for the warmer parts of the year, and are free run the rest of the time. Free-range and free-run eggs are more difficult to gather, so the costs are higher than that of regular eggs. Some studies have shown that uncaged hens are exposed to higher levels of bacteria, parasites, and viruses than their caged counterparts, but animal rights groups argue that battery cage conditions are inherently unsanitary.
Organic eggs are eggs produced from hens allowed outside, weather permitting. Also, the hens that produce organic eggs are fed organic (pesticide-free) feed. This is the distinct difference between organic and free-range/run eggs. As well, organic eggs are certified. The terms “free-range” and “free-run” do not denote certifications, and the definitions are not subject to industry verification. In British Columbia, the BC SPCA has created a BC SPCA Certified designation and audits henhouse conditions.
While there is no conclusive evidence, some small studies have suggested that eggs from genuine free-range hens—hens that forage daily on a grass range—are nutritionally better than regular eggs because of higher levels of Omega 3, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, as well as lower levels of fat and cholesterol. Also, egg yolks from free-range eggs may be more orange since the hens eat more insects and greens—but this orange colour can also be achieved through feed additives.
In short, when choosing eggs, be sure to read the label and even go to the producer’s website to understand how they treat and feed their hens.
Some eggs, including the Burnbrae Farms Free-Run Omega 3 we evaluated, bear the Health Check logo. This logo means that the product has met “nutrient criteria developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s registered dietitians based on Canada’s Food Guide.” However, since participation in the program is voluntary, other healthy egg choices may not bear the symbol.
Burnbrae Farms Free Run Omega 3
Jul 2010
These eggs are labelled as free-run and are produced in Ontario. The hens are fed a multi-grain diet with added flaxseed, corn and alfalfa, but this feed is not organic. The eggs bear the Health Check symbol, which means that the eggs’ nutrition information meets the standards developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s dieticians. More >
Organic Meadow Free Run Eggs
Jul 2010
Organic Meadow, owned by an Ontario farmers’ co-operative, is typically known for its milk—but it also produces free-run eggs. The farm says that chickens are fed “free choice—meaning they are left to eat the feed that satisfies them. Our hens are never force-fed.” Their feed consists of organic flax and corn, and they’re housed in More >
Naturegg Free Run Eggs
Jul 2010
These eggs are not organic and are from battery-caged hens, but do bear the Health Check symbol. The hens are fed an “all-natural, flax-based diet with a small amount of fish oil, alfalfa and corn.” Regarding hen welfare, Burnbrae Farms states: “We follow the animal husbandry codes that have been developed by experts when making More >
PC Organic Free Run Eggs
Jul 2010
These eggs are laid by hens fed an organic diet of corn, wheat, soybeans, and soybean meal. President’s Choice also states that the hens are free run. They are packaged in cartons made of non-recycled plastic, but the packages are recyclable. These eggs are only available in Loblaw Companies Ltd. chain stores such as Loblaws, More >
