Anonymous - Comment

Recently, the Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers came to an agreement and have announced a push for federal legislation to mandate animal welfare regulations for the laying hens on egg farms. The existence of a unified federal law on the issue is much more positive than possible state initiatives. The proposed legislation includes the following changes: the initiation of new housing systems for the animals, providing the hens with environments that will allow them to express natural behaviors, mandate labeling on all egg cartons, prohibit excessive ammonia levels in hen houses, and prohibit the sale of egg products that do not meet these requirements. These changes would improve the current system, in regard to animal welfare. Improving the conditions of the egg industry can lay the foundation for an improved product. The animals will benefit from the new regulations, thus producing better quality eggs. The impact on food safety could be very positive, with all of the changes in the animals’ environment. The labeling system that will be created is also critical, as it will be very informative for consumers. Knowing that eggs from “cage-free hens” might be a critical factor in the decision of which eggs consumers purchase. The hundreds of millions of animals that produce the eggs in this country deserve federal regulation for their treatment and welfare. With all of the foodborne illness in the US, especially from eggs, it is worth discovering whether or not it has a large impact on the quality and overall safety of the eggs we produce.