WASHINGTON — Reaching a milestone in 2026, the United Egg Producers are marking 20 years of its Certified Cage-Free program, which was developed to assure laying hen welfare. Through the years, the program has been refined to include changing industry needs and address housing standards.
To bring together all of its unified industry protocols, the egg producer group formed an independent Scientific Advisory Committee that evaluates egg-laying hen well-being standards, conducts new research, reviews existing research, and provides any egg farm recommendations.
Among its first recommendations was what became the formation of the UEP Certified program. This program represents more than 90 percent of U.S.-produced eggs. The announced standards for conventional housed hens were in 2002, with cage-free housing guidelines announced in 2006.
“Using science as its North Star and relying on the guidance of academic leaders in hen welfare and animal science, United Egg Producers set the standard upon which all state laws for cage-free housing are based,” Dr. Janice Swanson, UEP Scientific Advisory Committee chair said in an announcement. “Those standards have evolved alongside consumer demand and will continue to do so in the years to come.”
· What are some basic descriptions of cage-free?
Cage-free eggs are laid from hens that can roam horizontally and vertically in an indoor facility, with access to fresh water and feed. They need to also have access to enrichments like scratch areas, nests and perches, where the hens can exhibit natural behavior. The indoor facilities provide protection from predators. They also provide access to litter and give the ability for movement that enhances welfare, UEP notes.
There have been several states that have enacted laws that mandate the sale of only cage-free eggs, as well as requiring egg-laying hens to be housed in cage-free facilities, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah and Washington.
Of the U.S. table egg flock, cage-free and organic shell egg production equaled 42.1 percent, or 122.6 million hens, in February 2025, UEP added. This comprised 35 percent non-organic cage free, and 7 percent organic.
· Two decades
Commenting on Certified Cage-Free’s 20th anniversary, UEP adds that, “the program has undergone refinements to address evolving industry needs, including a greater focus on hen health, fire prevention and enhanced housing standards. These updates reaffirm UEP’s commitment to both animal welfare and sustainability and position America’s egg producers for sustained growth as hen housing transitions continue.”
“For two decades, UEP Certified Cage-Free has assured that hens are raised under rigorous animal welfare standards,” Dr. Larry Sadler, UEP vice president of animal welfare, said. “Our farmers and partners remain committed to hen health and well-being, making meaningful improvements that strengthen the entire egg supply chain.”
