Kirkland Signature Pastured
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Issaquah, WA |
| Website | https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com/kirkland-signature-organic-large-brown-eggs-cage-free-2-dozen.product.11904473.html |
| Market Area | Nationwide |
| Total Score | 410 |
This brand is a private label, or store brand. Grocers or distributors will buy their eggs wholesale and re-label them under their own brand name. They often have no direct interaction with the farmers. Store brands lack transparency, often cloaking their practices under the heading of “confidential business information.”
If you are consumer of this brand we encourage you to reach out and ask where your particular store sources their eggs. While the sourcing may differ across regions, consumer activism plays a valuable role in marketplace transparency.
Kirkland Signature may be supplied in part by Wilcox Family Farms (cage-free organic).
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1700) | 410 | 2-egg |
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points. Ownership Structure | 0 | Corporate veiling, lack of transparency in business model |
|
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 | 0 | Sells both conventional and organic products |
|
Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards. Other Labels and Standards | 60 | American Humane Certified pasture-raised eggs must be laid by hens with at least 108 square feet of outdoor space on a pasture with living vegetation.Some eggs may have other labels; check packaging |
|
Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions. Flock Size(s) | 25 | May be over 1000 birds per flock; unconfirmed |
|
The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits. Hen Housing and Exit Areas | 20 | Fixed housing with 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 | 30 | Meets some minimum standards for welfare (due to 3rd party label) |
|
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 | 100 | American Humane Certified pasture-raised eggs must be laid by hens with at least 108 square feet of outdoor space on a pasture with living vegetation. |
|
High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round. Quality of Outdoor Access | 50 | Living vegetation is required |
|
Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress. Outdoor Access Timing | 0 | Unknown |
|
Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life. Enrichments | 35 | Unknown, but outdoor access is legitimate |
|
Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming. Alterations | 25 | Beaks likely tipped at hatchery |
|
Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish. Chicks and Pullets | 0 | No answer/information not confirmed |
|
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 | No answer/information not confirmed |
|
Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points. Environmental Impacts | 25 | Better environmental impact but specific practices unknown |
| Feed Sourcing | 0 | No answer/information not confirmed |
|
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 | 40 | Meets some minimum standards for welfare (due to 3rd party label) |
|
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 | 0 | Did not participate with investigators |
|
Brands do not receive points, but this information is offered for people with soy and/or gluten allergies. Soy free and/or gluten free? | Unknown | |
|
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) | Unknown | |
|
Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form. Extra Credit | 0 | None |
