Craving Safe Food and Tighter Regulations? Read On.

In light of last month’s nationwide egg recall – the largest in U.S. history – due to the risk of salmonella, we may be a tad more cautious when selecting that perfect carton of eggs at the market.

Some eggs earn Grade A, but what does that really mean?

The USDA classifies an egg by its interior quality and shell. Grade AA is the best—firm whites and perky yolks. Step down to Grades A then B, the latter of which usually goes into egg-containing products. Alright, this makes sense, but it doesn’t have much to do with anything consumers are seeking: safe, healthy, sustainable eggs.

Per The Humane Society and Babble, here’s what some other labels mean:

Certified Organic: Hens are uncaged but the amount and quality of outdoor access is undefined. They are fed only an organic, vegetarian diet free of drugs and third-party compliance is required.

Free-Range: The USDA set no standards for this type of egg production; outdoor access may vary. No third-party checks are required.

Cage-Free: Birds do not live in cages but generally do not have outdoor access; there is no third party auditing.

Certified Humane: Hens do not live in cages, but may also not have outdoor access. Beak cutting is still allowed and standards are verified by a third party.

Hormone-Free: Because the USDA banned the use of hormones in 1959, this label doesn’t mean much.

Natural: This means squat.

OUR CHOICE – Farmer’s Market (unlabeled): Chickens are allowed to eat their normal diet and play outdoors. “Buying eggs at the farmer’s market is usually the best way to guarantee you’re getting eggs from healthy, happy chickens.”

Still though, these labels don’t really inform consumers about egg safety. Whose job is it to monitor bacteria such as salmonella in hens and eggs? The USDA declares: not theirs.

The USDA and FDA share an awkward divide between powers. According to the Los Angeles Times, “cheese pizza is regulated by one federal agency, but a pepperoni pizza is overseen by another.”

It’s not hard to see how this confusing power split could contribute to a lapse in public food safety. The recent egg recall may very well be the catalyst for the long-delayed FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which would empower the FDA to set new quality standards. However, some say this increased power would overburden small farms, many of which produce some of the safest and healthiest food available (as depicted in The Omnivore’s Dilemma), so provisions may be included to protect these farmers.

Whether or not you’re an egg eater, you can support this food safety bill by reaching out to your senators; it takes only seconds to sign a petition.

To your eggcellent health! (Aw come on, give me a break…)

Photos via Flickr and Etsy