American Egg Board: White Paper Proves Real Eggs are GMO-Free

19 Nov 2014 --- The American Egg Board has recently compiled a white paper that presents the scientific evidence proving REAL eggs in their natural state—in their shell—are not a bioengineered or genetically modified (GM) food. In fact, neither chickens nor eggs are genetically modified or bioengineered. This would include the shell eggs used as the basis for further processed eggs* that are used as ingredients in food manufacturing.

Corn and soybean crops grown in the United States might be genetically modified, and these are primary constituents of most animal feeds. Yet none of the proteins related to genetic materials pass through the hen to the egg due to the hen’s digestive process. Multiple scientific studies conducted in different countries agree on this point. Furthermore, the studies also show hens that eat GM-feed experience no nutritional differences compared to a diet comprised of non-GMO feed.

Furthermore, the laying hens produce eggs with consistent nutritional properties, whether or not they eat feed containing GMO-based grains. One whole, average large egg supplies six grams of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, is a good source of vitamin D and contains a host of other vitamins and minerals, plus choline, lutein and zeaxanthin.

“Formulators can be assured REAL eggs are GMO free and can select egg ingredients to fit within multiple application scenarios,” said Elisa Maloberti, AEB director of egg product marketing. “It’s just another natural benefit of egg ingredients to add alongside all of the functional properties eggs lend to formulations.”

*Further processed eggs without added ingredients are GMO free.