Consumer indicators: Egg labels

Every carton of eggs sold in Germany is labeled according to how the chickens were raised:

0. organic (Ökologische Erzeugung)
   
1. free-range (Freilandhaltung)
   
2. ground (Bodenhaltung)
3. cage (Käfighaltung)

There are detailed requirements for each type of production; for example, in addition to being fed organic feed, organic hens are required to have at least eight hours a day with no artificial light, room to build nests, and a place to "sand bathe."

The point is more consumer information, which undoubtedly leads to better (i.e., more humane) choices. The percentage of eggs purchased in Germany from caged hens has dropped in the last few years. Making the hens' living conditions apparent gives meaning to more expensive types of farming and allows consumers to make more informed choices.

It makes me wonder how the eggs I bought in the U.S. were laid.