In a June 14th announcement, the USDA will implement an evaluation of label claims relating to housing, antibiotic use and other attributes for livestock and, presumably, eggs. This belated action will be taken in conformity with the Presidential Executive Order on promoting competition.
Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, stated, “USDA is taking action today to ensure the integrity of animal-raising claims and level the playing field for producers who are truthfully using these claims that we know consumers value and rely on to guide their meat and poultry purchasing decisions.”
USDA is also responding to petitions from consumer advocacy groups requesting that USDA introduce and enforce uniform label definitions. When standards are developed, producers will be obliged to submit documentation to substantiate label claims.
EGG-NEWS has frequently commented on the diversity of housing claims including “cage-free”; “free-range”; “pastured” all of which command premium shelf prices over caged generic eggs.