Published Letters and Op-Eds from
COK’s Writers Group

Egg Producers' Claim of Humane Care is False

Chris Hill's June 15 article about the United Egg Producers' Animal Care Certified program failed to mention one important factor: In 2004, the ACC logo was deemed misleading by the Better Business Bureau because it conveys to consumers a false message of humane animal care.

In addition to having parts of their beaks sliced off without pain relief, hens laying so-called "animal care certified" eggs may spend their entire lives crammed inside wire cages so small they can't even spread their wings.

Despite the Better Business Bureau's ruling and recommendations aimed to protect consumers from false advertising, the egg industry has chosen to continue stamping its deceptive ACC logo on egg cartons across the country. As a result, this matter has been referred to the Federal Trade Commission for potential legal action against the industry.

The bottom line is that the egg industry's animal care certified advertising is a shameful public relations scam, and consumers deserve to know the truth.

Erica Meier
Washington, D.C.