The National Association of Egg Farmers charged the cage-free egg trend as being based on misinformation.
The claims came as 7-Eleven announced it would become the latest company to switch to cage-free eggs.
The convenience store chain expects to complete the change by the year 2025. While the idea of cage-free chickens produces a thought that cage-free leads to better animal welfare and better quality eggs, the National Association of Egg Farmers wants consumers to know that this is simply not true.
The Association says removing chickens from cages will lead to more on-farm deaths of chickens because the birds establish a literal “pecking order.” Further, the Association says cage-free eggs are more likely to be contaminated with bacteria due to prolonged exposure to litter and manure.
Finally, the Association says the amount of dust in cage-free facilities presents a human health concern to farm workers because the dust can transmit pathogens.
The Association says the cage-free trend will force smaller chicken farms out of business because they will struggle with the estimated $40 per bird production increase.
