From 2002 to 2005, the majority of U.S. egg producers labeled their egg cartons with a logo reading “Animal Care Certified.” Despite the image the label conveyed, hens laying those eggs were subjected to abuses that would lead to prosecution if forced on the dogs or cats sharing our homes.
In 2003, Animal Outlook filed legal petitions with federal agencies and the Better Business Bureau alleging the label was misleading advertising. Over the next two years, the organization investigated “Animal Care Certified” farms, argued the case twice before the Better Business Bureau, lobbied federal agencies, produced media exposés, conducted consumer polls, and filed suit. On September 30, 2005, the Federal Trade Commission announced that UEP’s use of the deceptive logo would end by April 1, 2006 – a landmark victory covered by The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and others.
Timeline
- May 2003: Investigators document standard cruelty at an “Animal Care Certified” egg farm in Cecilton, MD.
- June 2003: Animal Outlook petitions the Better Business Bureau, alleging false advertising, and launches EggScam.com.
- November 2003: The BBB’s National Advertising Division rules in Animal Outlook’s favor; UEP appeals.
- May 2004: The appeal is denied – the logo should be discontinued or modified.
- August 2005: The BBB refers the case to the FTC for potential enforcement.
- September 2005: The FTC announces UEP will discontinue the logo nationwide.
- March 31, 2006: The deadline for the industry to stop using the logo.
- September 21, 2006: UEP pays $100,000 to settle claims from 16 state Attorneys General and the D.C. Attorney General.
- February 20, 2008: After documenting continued use of the logo, Animal Outlook and a New Jersey egg consumer file a lawsuit against UEP and ISE America. Read about the lawsuit.
