Debbie Murdock: California egg producers follow highest, most humane standards
Enriched colony system the national standard for egg-laying hens
On behalf of the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association, I must provide some much-needed context to allegations made against our industry in Paul Shapiro’s op-ed, “It’s high time to eliminate cage confinement of egg-laying hens” (Page 1D, June 7).
The writer takes a very specific animal abandonment case in Stanislaus County and seeks to tarnish the entire egg industry with a simplistic argument regarding molting that is not supported with any facts or information. The reality is that most reputable egg farmers have been certified by the United Egg Producers and must meet all guidelines and pass regular audits. This includes specific requirements for molting, which prohibits starving any birds, which Shapiro alleged.
Our industry has worked hard to ensure the most wholesome, fresh and safest supply of eggs, and it is irresponsible of the writer to attempt to condemn an entire industry based on the actions of a few.
Additionally, Shapiro attempts to rewrite history by suggesting the passage of Proposition 2 was supposed to result in cage-free egg production in California. That is simply wrong. The fact is that Proposition 2 did not provide the exact size or dimension for an enclosure, the number of hens that can occupy the enclosure, the density or otherwise specify the furnishings within the enclosure. Our industry spent many years – and a great deal of money – seeking clarity on the requirements of Proposition 2 before it went into effect.
The Pacific Egg and Poultry Association supports cage-free colony systems and enriched colony systems that promote good husbandry and comply with California law. The colony system provides adequate space, enabling hens to sit, stand, stretch and turn around in a clean, safe enclosure that protects hens from outside predators. In fact, a few years ago, our industry worked closely with Shapiro’s employer, the Humane Society of the United States, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein to write and seek passage of the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments, which recognized the enriched colony system as the new national housing standard for laying hens.
To see an example of an enriched colony system, visit the website of Modesto’s own JS West Milling, www.jswest.com, and click on “Hens Live.”
Debbie Murdock, executive director, Pacific Egg and Poultry Association, Sacramento
This story was originally published June 15, 2015 at 9:18 AM with the headline "Debbie Murdock: California egg producers follow highest, most humane standards."