The article discusses the ethical implications of egg production, particularly the conditions chickens face in battery cages compared to European standards.
The article emphasizes the ethical concerns surrounding egg production, especially in South Korea, where over 90% of laying hens are raised in battery cages that provide a shockingly small space and no freedom of movement. The author reflects on the disconnection between consumers and the reality of animal suffering, highlighting how packaging and terminology can obscure the truths of factory farming. This disassociation allows consumers to ignore the welfare of the animals involved in food production. As someone who became aware of these conditions only after joining the Animal Freedom Alliance, the author shares the stark differences in animal welfare standards between South Korea and the European Union.
In contrast to the grim reality for hens in South Korea, the EU has made significant strides in improving animal welfare. Since 2012, battery cages have been banned in the EU, resulting in a more humane treatment of laying hens, with a notable increase in the percentage of hens living in non-caged environments. By 2024, it is projected that approximately 39% of EU laying hens will be kept in free-range systems, while others will live in enriched cages, which, though still caged, provide better conditions than traditional battery cages. The ongoing reduction of animal suffering in Europe serves as a benchmark of consumer activism and legislative change.
This discrepancy in animal treatment between South Korea and Europe is positioned as a challenge to societal values and consumer behavior. The author argues that the difference lies not in technical capabilities, but in what society is willing to question and accept in terms of animal welfare. As consumers begin to consider not only the price and freshness of eggs but also the production processes, a societal consensus is emerging emphasizing the need for better living conditions for chickens. This shift in consumer choices is prompting major retailers to stop selling eggs from caged hens, demonstrating the power of consumer advocacy in driving change within the market.
