In a recent communication from a contract egg producer, it was evident that there is considerable ‘flexibility’ in claims for pasture-raised eggs that sell at a considerable premium over eggs from barn or aviary-housed flocks.  At present there is no legal definition for “free-range”, “pasture access”, “pasture-reared”, “free-ranging”.  In a number of cases, contractors observe a natural disinclination for their flocks to use pasture. Even if expelled from houses they rapidly return.  Climatic conditions, fear of predators and loss of feather cover are factors that determine the use of outside space.  The contractor noted that although his hens rarely venture outside the house his eggs are packed and labeled with text and images depicting management on pasture.

Although two or more agencies provide certification based on their standards, there is no legally enforceable and official definition of either housing or management systems. The USDA-AMS should develop standards that can be enforced by audit to prevent exploitation of consumers and to maintain a level field for producers.