How to Read an Egg Carton

USDA Mandatory & Official Labels 

• Grade (AA, A, B): Based on shell integrity, yolk height, and white thickness (AA is best).
• Size: Medium, Large, Extra Large, etc., based on weight.
• Plant & Pack Date: A three-digit day code (001-365) and plant number for traceability. 

Common Voluntary Labels 

• Organic: USDA-regulated; hens fed organic, non-GMO feed, with outdoor access.
• Cage-Free: Hens aren’t in cages but may still be indoors in crowded barns.
• Free-Range: Hens have access to the outdoors, but area size and access can vary.
• Pasture-Raised: Often means significant outdoor space and foraging (less regulated by USDA, more by certifications).
• Non-GMO: Hens fed a diet free of genetically modified organisms (not necessarily organic).
• Omega-3 Enriched: Hens fed a diet supplemented with Omega-3s.
• No Hormones: A legally required claim; hormones aren’t used in poultry. 

Third Party Certifications 

• Certified Humane: Ensures continuous access to food, water, and space, meeting specific welfare standards.
• American Humane Certified: Verifies humane treatment, allowing for various housing systems.
• Animal Welfare Approved / Global Animal Partnership (GAP): Offer high animal welfare standards, with GAP levels (e.g., Level 5+) indicating significant pasture access. 

What to Know

• Color (Brown/White): Determined by hen breed, not quality or nutrition.
• Farm Fresh/Natural: Often marketing terms with little meaning; all eggs are natural and come from farms.
• Best Practice: Look for official USDA grades and third-party certifications for verifiable claims.