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Majority of Nation's Cage-Free Eggs Now Come From American Humane Certified(TM) Producers

Eight Additional Producers Recently Certified by American Humane Association

DENVER, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association announced today that up to two-thirds of all cage-free eggs being produced in the U.S. now come from producers that have earned the American Humane Certified(TM) label -- a symbol of the nation's premier animal-welfare certification program.

During the past several months, American Humane Certified has audited and certified eight cage-free egg producers, bringing the total number of American Humane Certified cage-free egg producers to 10 and representing 8 million of the 12 million to 13 million laying hens producing cage-free eggs annually inthe United States. American Humane Certified, the nation's first animal-welfare program dedicated to the humane treatment of farm animals, now is also the clear leader in certifying humane treatment in the cage-free egg sector.

Because consumers continue to be conscientious and concerned about how farm animals are raised and treated, some of the largest U.S. egg producers, as well as meat and dairy producers, have turned to American Humane for certification. Recently certified cage-free egg producers include:

Abbotsford Egg Products -- a leading supplier of fresh and frozen egg products to the bakery, restaurant, confectioner and wholesale food industries

Cal-Maine -- the largest producer and marketer of value-added specialty shell eggs, such as cage-free, inthe United States; sold under the Farmhouse brand name

GCB Foods LLC -- a family-owned, cage-free egg production company inNashville, N.C.

Herbruck's Poultry Ranch -- a leading organic egg producer inMichigan

Moark, LLC -- one of the nation's largest egg producers, which sells under the brand names of Eggland's Best and Land O' Lakes

Morning Fresh -- a producer for Eggland's Best, located inColorado

Sauder's Eggs -- a family of companies, based inLititz, Pa., that includes one of America's leading processors and marketers of fresh eggs

Weaver Brothers, Inc. -- an 80-year-old family farm inOhio

These companies join two long-time American Humane Certified producers, Phil's Fresh Eggs ofForreston, Ill., and Clover Stornetta Farms ofPetaluma, Calif.

As the fastest-growing third-party, independent animal-welfare label program in the U.S., American Humane Certified provides producers moderate and reasoned policies, while the program's new three-tiered auditing process, known as "True Humane Tracking(TM)," provides transparency and accountability. The process consists of on-site audits, observation of production data on a frequent basis through a proprietary online reporting system, and remote real-time video monitoring of barns, transportation and processing facilities. American Humane Certified works closely with its independent Scientific Advisory Committee, industry professionals and producers to ensure that industry advancements and best practices are part of American Humane Certified standards.

American Humane Certified is a program of the American Humane Association, a 131-year-old, national nonprofit that works to protect both children and animals through education, legislative advocacy and public awareness.

About American Humane Certified

American Humane Certified isthe United States' first animal-welfare program dedicated to the humane treatment of farm animals. It is the fastest growing, third-party independent animal-welfare label program in the U.S. American Humane has certified producers representing more than 60 million farm animals through American Humane's science-based program. American Humane auditors are rigorously trained in the American Humane Certified species-specific standards and are certified by the Professional Animal Auditors Certification Organization (PAACO). As consumers and retailers are increasingly concerned about how food is raised, producers are seeking independent verification for the marketplace. American Humane Certified believes animal welfare should not only be good for animals but also economically viable and feasible for producers. American Humane Certified works with agriculture to educate and motivate producers and demonstrate the economic and social benefits of animal welfare. American Humane Certified works closely with its independent Scientific Advisory Committee, industry professionals and producers to ensure that industry advancements and best practices are part of American Humane certification standards. Based on American Humane's 131-year legacy of being the gold standard for humane behavior, consumers trust the American Humane Certified label. Learn more at www.thehumanetouch.org.

SOURCE American Humane Association