Caged Hen Eggs: Why Labelling Can Be Misleading and What You Can Do About It

Many people are shocked to learn that eggs produced by caged hens can still be sold in packaging that doesn’t clearly say so. For consumers who want to make ethical choices, this lack of transparency can feel confusing and deeply frustrating. You may have already read our blog on the realities of egg production in the UK (and why cage-free doesn’t necessarily equate to cruelty free), but this blog looks specifically at how consumers are being hoodwinked by cage-free labels.

At Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, we regularly hear from people who have unknowingly bought eggs from caged systems — even when they believed they were choosing higher welfare options, which is why we decided to write this blog. So how does this happen, and what can be done about it?

Understanding Egg Codes in the UK

In the UK, all eggs are legally required to be stamped with a production method code on the shell itself:

• 0 – Organic

• 1 – Free range

• 2 – Barn

• 3 – Caged

The issue is that this information is often only visible on the egg, not clearly stated on the outer packaging. In some cases, the code may be faint, incomplete, or only present on some of the eggs in a box. This means that unless consumers know to check each egg individually — and understand what the codes mean — it is very easy to assume eggs are free range or organic when they are not.

Is This Legal?

Under current UK legislation, producers are not required to clearly label egg boxes with terms like “caged hens” in plain language. As long as the egg code is present on the shell, this can count as legal compliance. However, there is growing concern that some packaging and marketing gives a misleading impression through wording, imagery or design that implies higher welfare standards. When this happens, it may fall under misleading marketing, which is overseen by Trading Standards. If a retailer or consumer has been led to believe eggs are free range or organic when they are not, this is something that can — and should — be challenged.

Why This Matters for Animal Welfare

Caged systems severely restrict a hen’s ability to perform natural behaviours such as perching, nesting and dust bathing. While some cages have been modified over time, they still fall far short of what many people consider acceptable welfare standards. When consumers are misled, it removes their ability to make informed, ethical choices — and that directly impacts the lives of animals.

Transparency matters because choice matters.

What You Can Do If You’re Concerned

If you believe egg packaging is misleading, you can:

• Check the egg codes on the shell before buying or at home

• Raise the issue with the retailer directly

• Contact your local Trading Standards office if packaging or supplier information appears deceptive

• Ask retailers to clearly label egg production methods in plain language

   

Small actions, when taken by many people, can lead to real change.

Organisations Campaigning for Change

If you’d like to get involved in campaigns to end caged systems and improve labelling transparency, the following organisations are actively working in this area:

• Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) – campaigns against caged farming and misleading labelling

• The Humane League UK – works to end cage use and hold corporations accountable

• Animal Equality UK – campaigns for farmed animal welfare and consumer transparency

These groups offer ways to take action, from signing petitions to contacting retailers and policymakers.

Making Informed Choices

Clear, honest labelling empowers consumers and protects animals. Until legislation catches up with public expectations, awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have. By checking egg codes, questioning unclear packaging, and supporting campaigns for change, you help push the system towards better welfare and greater transparency — and that matters enormously for hens living in farming systems today.