Wal-Mart
Stores Inc. deceived shoppers by selling organic eggs laid by hens raised in
enclosed structures under package labels indicating they had access to the
outdoors, according to charges in a federal lawsuit filed Monday. In reality,
the birds raised by Cal-Maine Foods Inc. were limited to an enclosed structure
that had screens to let air in.
"The
theoretical ability to view the outdoors is not the same as having access to
it," according to the lawsuit. Wal-Mart was able to sell the eggs at a
premium due to the organic labeling. Experts say these enclosed structures,
known as "porches," meet USDA standards for producers of organic
livestock to provide "year-round access for all animals to the outdoors."
Last month, USDA shelved plans to define what it means for birds to have access
to the outdoors.