Consumer Issues

What is Quality? “Conformance to requirements”

•Price•Freedom from defects•Carcass conformation•Fresh•Consistent

Food Safety

Safe to eat Free from adulterations No residues Zero tolerance for food pathogens Food scares (BSE)

National Animal Identification System

Personal Health Nutrients Low-fat Vitamins Omega-3 fatty acids

Chemical-free No antibiotics

Eggs: Impact of production system:

More vitamin A and E and more omega-3 fatty acids infree range eggs

Animal Welfare

United Egg ProducersAnimal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg Laying Flocks

National Chicken CouncilAnimal Welfare Guidelines

National Turkey FederationAnimal Care Best Management Practices

Standards provide a minimum decent level of welfare

Hatchery operationsProper nutrition and feedingAppropriate comfort and shelterHealth care (prevention of disease, rapid diagnosis and treatment)Ability to move about and display most natural patterns of behaviorCatching and transportationProcessingBreeder operations

Standards provide higher than minimum level of welfare

Freedom to express natural behaviors Cage-free

Environment Nutrient pollution Air quality

Local food Lower transport and energy costs

Sustainability is an important attribute

Social Support of small farmers Social justice

Image/Pyschological Aesthetics Extensive, Free-range