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.