They also try and influence regulations and labeling requirements to their benefit. Ever wonder what "cage free" means? Not much. One can smell lobbyists all over this one. Not the egg industry can sell cage free eggs at 2-3x markup over regular eggs, without doing anything.
Cage-Free Eggs: • The term is not codified by either FDA or USDA/AMS. The term is misleading because the statement of identity is “EGGS” not Cage Free Eggs. • Suggested Verbiage – Eggs that originated from a cage-free environment. • Once the Statement of Identity (EGGS) has been met, you can combine “Cage-Free” with “Eggs”. • Cage Free definition: Eggs packed in USDA grademarked consumer packages labeled as cage free must be produced by hens housed in a building, room, or enclosed area that allows for unlimited access to food, water, and provides the freedom to roam within the area during the laying cycle.