Are Chicken Eggs Safe?

An article written by Judy Fahys entitled “Are chicken eggs safe?”appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune on July 5, 2010. Unfortunately, this article makes some incorrect assumptions based on incomplete research that misleads and misinforms people concerning home-raised chicken eggs and broilers. The article refers to a “study” that speaks of an additive, roxarsone, and claims it is in chicken feed purchased from IFA. Roxarsone is a regulated feed additive that elevates arsenic levels in the feed.   It is important that our customers know the truth about IFA poultry feeds and realize they can confidently feed IFA feeds knowing they are safe.

IFA does not add roxarsone or any arsenic products of any kind as ingredients to any feeds in any of its feed manufacturing facilities.

Arsenic is a common and widely found element that can be found at low levels in many different products used in animal and human food such as corn and soybean meal, etc. The levels found in feed in the referenced study were consistent with these levels. These naturally occurring levels are often referred to as background levels.

We have tested all of our layer rations and found the arsenic levels to be consistent with regular background levels of arsenic.

Reading and following the feed label instructions is important as well as informative. All ingredients in the product are listed on the label. IFA is committed to protecting the safety of our feed and food supply. We are concerned for the health of our customers as well as the animals in their care. It is unfortunate and irresponsible no matter how well meaning when false information is spread to the public by anyone in a manner that misinforms and causes undue alarm. We appreciate your inquiry.