Happy Egg
Rating | |
Farm/Brand Headquarters | San Francisco, CA |
Website | https://happyegg.com |
Market Area | Nationwide |
Total Score | 715 |
This brand did not participate in Cornucopia’s survey or participate in Cornucopia’s investigation. While some information was found about this brand’s practices, we could not confirm everything.
If you are a customer of this brand, we encourage you contact the brand owners and ask them to participate fully in Cornucopia’s research. We always want the most accurate and up-to-date information on our scorecards, and consumers play an important role by demanding transparency from their food suppliers.
Criteria | Points | Comment |
---|---|---|
TOTAL (possible score is 1700) | 715 | 3-egg |
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points. Ownership Structure | 75 | Multiple farms supply this brand, contract production with close relationship |
Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in systems that benefit us all. Eggs sourced from a single operation receive the most points. Eggs of unclear origins and/or with poor oversight receives the fewest points. Commitment to Organic Label | 50 | Brand markets primarily conventional “free range” eggs, unknown if suppliers have both conventional and organic production on same property |
Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards. Other Labels and Standards | 50 | Certified Humane (at a minimum meets free range) |
Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions. Flock Size(s) | 50 | Flocks of 20,000 birds or less |
The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits. Hen Housing and Exit Areas | 50 | Fixed housing barns; unknown exits |
Adequate indoor spacing reduces stress and disease. With less crowding, birds can stretch their wings and more easily perform other natural behaviors. Indoor Spacing | 20 | 1.2 square feet allotted per hen |
High scoring brands provide enough space to allow each hen to fully utilize their outdoor area, and to perform instinctive behaviors without harming the environment. Outdoor Spacing | 20 | At least 2 square feet allotted per hen, possibly more (unconformed) |
High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round. Quality of Outdoor Access | 50 | Outdoor access is legitimate without the use of porches |
Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress. Outdoor Access Timing | 25 | 22 weeks |
Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life. Enrichments | 30 | Quality outdoor access is offered but specific enrichments are unconfirmed |
Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming. Alterations | 70 | Hens are beak trimmed at hatcheries; induced molting is not allowed |
Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish. Chicks and Pullets | 50 | This brand dictates where/how their egg suppliers source their birds |
Brands that have low rates of deaths and utilize their spent hens for human consumption or similar score the highest. Deaths, Culls, and Spent Hens | 0 | Unknown death rate and use of spent hens |
Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points. Environmental Impacts | 25 | Makes some efforts toward environmental sustainability, but unknown manure handling |
Feed Sourcing | 50 | Obtains feed from organic suppliers that distribute locally |
Brands that score well here go above and beyond to ensure the highest animal welfare, taking into consideration their hens’ safety and cleanliness, natural behavior, and stress levels. Animal Welfare | 50 | Meets some basic assurances with Certified Humane |
Cornucopia believes you have a right to transparency. Top brands share information with Cornucopia via a survey and cooperate with our own independent investigations. Transparency | 50 | Did not participate, but some information could be confirmed |
Brands do not receive points, but this information is offered for people with soy and/or gluten allergies. Soy free and/or gluten free? | Check packaging | |
Brands do not receive points, but are invited to submit the name of their Accredited Organic Certifier (suppliers may have different certifiers). Organic Certifier (non-scoring) | Likely QAI | |
Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form. Extra Credit | 0 | None |