Organic vs. Free-Range Eggs: What to Know
Labels like "organic" and "free-range" refer to different aspects of egg production: feed, housing, and access for hens. They aren’t interchangeable.
Key distinctions:
- Organic eggs: hens are fed organic feed (no synthetic pesticides or GMOs) and producers follow organic certification standards that often include restrictions on antibiotic use.
- Free-range eggs: hens have some access to the outdoors, though definitions of access vary by regulation and producer.
Overlap and considerations:
- Eggs can be both organic and free-range if producers meet both sets of standards.
- Labeling rules differ by country; check local standards to understand what a label guarantees.
- Other terms to consider: "pasture-raised" often implies more outdoor time and space but isn’t tightly regulated everywhere.
Choosing eggs depends on priorities like animal welfare, environmental impact, and price.