Prop 12: The Reality of 'Force Molted' Eggs on California Shelves, 2024

California's Proposition 12, passed in 2018 and implemented in phases since 2020, aims to improve the welfare of farm animals, including hens. But what does it mean for consumers when they buy eggs at their local supermarket? Is 'force molted' on Prop 12-compliant egg cartons a reality or a myth?

Prop 12 doesn't ban force molting, but it sets new standards for the practice. Here's what you need to know about the eggs on your shelves.

What Prop 12 means for consumers

Prop 12 increases the space per hen, improves the quality of the hens' environment, and sets new standards for the treatment of hens during force molting. However, it doesn't ban the practice outright.

Cage-free, cage-free plus, and true free-range eggs: What's the difference?

Cage-free eggs come from hens not confined to cages, but they may still be confined to barns with limited access to outdoors. 'Cage-free plus' indicates higher welfare standards, such as more space per hen and improved environmental conditions. True free-range eggs come from hens that have continuous access to the outdoors.

The reality of 'force molted' eggs on Prop 12-compliant cartons

While Prop 12 sets new standards for force molting, it doesn't ban the practice. As a result, some eggs labeled as compliant with Prop 12 may still come from hens subjected to force molting. However, the conditions under which the molting occurs are now more humane.

“The shift towards higher welfare standards for hens has been gradual but steady. Consumers are increasingly aware of the conditions under which their food is produced.”