Today the American Egg Board announced the release of its latest white paper - “The Egg & Clean Labeling”. The white paper explores the importance and relevance of eggs in today’s clean label marketplace. The number of consumers interested in the contents of modern ingredient labels continues to climb. And they are looking for some very specific information. In fact, according to the 2013 International Food Information Council “Health and Wellness” annual survey, 93 percent of consumers prefer to see familiar ingredients (such as eggs) on food labels. As a result, food manufacturers are more aware and discerning about the ingredients on their product labels.

A natural fit

“Nothing is much more natural than an egg,” explains Joanne Ivy, president & CEO, American Egg Board. “Eggs have a history of use that goes back as far as mankind. It’s probably safe to say that eggs are universally recognized and understood by consumers. So as consumers demand more clean labeled, natural products with recognizable ingredients, eggs can certainly make an important impact on their buying decisions.”

Key white paper highlights include:

• Buying trends are leading to increasing numbers of natural and clean label products
• People want to see ingredients they recognize and trust
• Clean labels play a significant role in consumer purchasing decisions
• 85% of consumers view eggs as a healthy, wholesome choice for their families
• Eggs are a key ingredient in making products better because of their 20 plus functions from emulsification to coagulation
• Egg products used in food processing are indistinguishable from fresh eggs in flavor, functionality and nutritional value
• Cost-effective, appealing, always 100% natural. Eggs can be a positive addition to a label.
• Eggs are not a genetically modified (GM) food. This includes shell eggs and eggs used for processed egg products, i.e. liquid and/or egg powder.

Copies of “The Egg & Clean Labeling” white paper can be downloaded at www.aeb.org/realeggs For more information on the 20-plus functions and formulas using all natural eggs, visit AEB.org.

About the American Egg Board (AEB)
AEB is the U.S. egg producer's link to the consumer in communicating the value of The incredible edible egg™ and is funded from a national legislative checkoff on all egg production from companies with greater than 75,000 layers, in the continental United States. The board consists of 18 members and 18 alternates from all regions of the country who are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The AEB staff carries out the programs under the board direction. AEB is located in Park Ridge, Ill. Visit AEB.org for more information.