Eggland’s Best Can’t Shed ‘Cage Free’ Hen Deception Class Suit

A group of animal-welfare-focused consumers convinced a federal judge to allow their suit alleging Eggland’s Best Inc. misleads buyers into thinking its hens can roam freely to proceed.

US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Judge Franklin U. Valderrama said the consumers sufficiently alleged Eggland’s Best deceptively advertises its eggs as coming from hens that can roam outdoors when the hens are kept in packed, concrete facilities. The Feb. 27 ruling allowed consumer protection claims to proceed but dismissed a claim for injunctive relief.

Theproposed class said their concern for animal welfare motivates their purchasing decisions and that ...