Large “Organic” Egg Producers Seem To Pay Only Lip Service To USDA Regs

Though the USDA requires that chickens granted the “organic” label must have access to the "outdoors" and get "direct sunlight" and "fresh air," the farm that raises chickens for Eggland’s Best organic eggs never lets its birds outside of the nine barns, according to a Washington Post report. Each barn holds 180,000 chickens, or about three hens per square foot of floor space. Katherine Paul of the Organic Consumers Association said the Herbruck's operation, which supplies ten percent of America’s organic eggs, “betrays consumer expectations.” Herbruck’s and other large farms say they keep the hens inside to protect them from disease and predators. [Image Credit: © Herbruck's ]