Validus Services, LLC | 10506 Justin Drive
Urbandale, Iowa 50322
Phone: 515.278.8002
Animal Welfare Review Program For Egg Production Facilities
Validus is the only privately held company approved to conduct audits for the United Egg Producers (UEP) and their member companies. Validus auditors conduct the on-site audits according to UEP Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. egg laying flocks, which includes both caged and cage-free production, of which they have been trained. Audits are based on each component of the guidelines listed on the UEP audit.
Recognizing the growing concern for animal welfare worldwide, the United Egg Producers (UEP) commissioned a Scientific Advisory Committee for Animal Welfare. The Scientific Advisory Committee provided UEP with recommendations and guidelines on which the UEP Animal Husbandry Guidelines were based.
While the Animal Husbandry Guidelines were presented to the egg industry as a voluntary program, it has since evolved into the committed “United Egg Producers Certified” program. In addition to meeting the Animal Husbandry Guidelines, a company must meet requirements on the following:
- Housing and Space Allowance;
- Beak Trimming;
- Molting; and
- Transportation and Handling.
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR) have endorsed UEP’s Animal Husbandry Guidelines.
Audit Process
Records – Companies are to maintain records and documents for determining program compliance with UEP guidelines and provide those records to the auditor upon request. Companies must also provide all UEP related records generated since the previous audit.
Shell eggs purchased from non-certified producers or companies must be properly identified and positively segregated from certified program eggs at all times before and after processing. Companies must provide a written detailed description of these segregation and identification procedures to the auditor.
Findings – Upon completion of the audit, the auditor reviews the audit checklist(s) and results with a company representative. If the facility passes the audit, the results are reported on the completed checklist(s) and are provided to the company. The auditor sends the completed checklists to the Validus office and Validus forwards the information to the client and the UEP. Upon review of the audit information, UEP will notify the audited company whether or not they can market their product as UEP Certified.
For more information, contact:
Matt Jones - Director of Audits and Assessments, 515-278-8002
