An investigation by the international NGO Sinergia Animal revealed that the company “Happy Egg” uses breeding practices that contradict the animal welfare image it projects in its advertising. The obtained images show hens confined in battery cages, a system criticized for its negative impact on bird welfare.
The study exposes a recurring problem in the Argentine poultry industry, where 90% of laying hens are raised in battery cages, despite this method being banned in several countries for its cruelty. Argentina is the second largest consumer of eggs per capita in the world, and yet consumers have little information about the origin of the product they purchase.
According to Sinergia Animal, the advertising of “Happy Egg” suggests that its birds enjoy freedom, which contradicts the documented reality. “It is deceptive for a company to call itself ‘Happy Egg’ when keeping its hens in cages, preventing them from moving freely,” said Romina Viscarret, director of the NGO in Argentina.
In response to this situation, Sinergia Animal and the Coordinating Association of Users, Consumers, and Taxpayers (ACUCC) are promoting a bill to demand mandatory labeling on egg packaging. The initiative aims to prohibit the use of images or terms that mislead consumers about the production system. Furthermore, it proposes that labels specify if the eggs come from caged hens, cage-free systems, free-range, or organic production.
## Where do the eggs sold in Argentina come from?
The video published by the NGO evidences extreme overcrowding conditions, dirt, and signs of stress in the birds. A report from the Welfare Footprint Project indicated that cage-free systems significantly reduce the suffering of hens, avoiding thousands of hours of pain and discomfort.
A recent survey indicated that 64% of Argentines oppose the use of cages in egg production, while 60% support laws that require transparent information on labeling.
Currently, Sinergia Animal’s petition to demand legislation on egg labeling has gathered more than 17,000 signatures. “Consumers deserve clear information to make informed decisions,” concluded Viscarret.
## Uninformed: Argentines are unaware of the origin of the eggs they consume
Despite the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) requiring basic labeling with information about the establishment of origin and expiration date, many products do not comply with this regulation. It is common to see egg cartons for sale without any identification, which constitutes an illegal practice in the industry.
Romina Viscarret, director of Sinergia Animal in Argentina, pointed out that the problem goes beyond regulatory non-compliance. “Argentines do not have access to information about the production system, that is, under what living conditions the hens are raised. There is no legislation that requires transparency on this data, preventing consumers from making informed decisions,” she explained.
Source: Sinergia Animal.
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