Organic 'watchdog' eggs on animal rightists

Monday, December 3, 2012

Hens at certified organic Petaluma Farm, based in the California town of that name, don't roam outside. The owner, citing avian influenza as a concern, says he is doing the best thing for them by keeping them inside and allowing them access to screened-in porches. Organic Valley co-operative is being criticized for buying Petaluma eggs.

Using satellite imagery and photographs, the Wisconsin-based Cornucopia Institute, a self-styled "watchdog" of the organic movement, confirmed that Petaluma's hens didn't go outside and is aiding The Animal Legal Defense Fund, an animal rights organization, in its class action lawsuit, which alleges that the packaging of Judy's Family Farm Eggs, a Petaluma brand, misleads consumers into thinking the eggs come from free-range hens.

According to published reports, the co-op sells Judy's Family Farm Eggs for US$4.79 a dozen while eggs from pastured hens cost $7.29 to $8.29. BF