United Egg Producers Certified Program
Adopts Even Tougher Standards of Care
ATLANTA
(Jan. 3, 2007), “Continuing their
commitment to the highest levels of science-based
care, the United Egg Producers" (UEP)
Board of Directors has approved recommendations
from an independent scientific advisory
committee for tougher air quality standards
in egg-laying facilities.
“Once again UEP and U.S. egg farmers
have responded to science to improve the
welfare of egg-laying hens," said
Gene Gregory, vice president of the United
Egg Producers. “These new standards
will improve the air quality in laying
houses for our hens as well as our workers."
The new air quality standards have been
incorporated into the United Egg Producers
Certified animal welfare guidelines and
will significantly decrease ammonia concentration
from animal waste in egg-laying facilities.
Recently, UEP adopted new molting guidelines
allowing only non-feed withdrawal molts.
The new molting guidelines were a major
advancement in hen welfare for the egg
industry. Through UEP-funded research,
new methods were found to induce a successful
molt that did not include feed withdrawal.
An independent Scientific Advisory Committee
of scientists and researchers reviewed
and endorsed these research findings.
UEP developed the “United Egg Producers
Certified" program for cage egg production?
the most comprehensive and progressive
animal care program in the U.S. This program
was developed out of guidelines established
by an independent advisory committee of
some of the top animal welfare scientific
experts in the U.S. and is supported by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the
Food and Drug Administration and the International
Egg Commission. In addition, the Food
Marketing Institute and the National Council
of Chain Restaurants endorsed these guidelines.
To view a complete copy of the UEP Certified
Guidelines visit www.uepcertified.com.