Iowa stores may be forced to sell eggs from battery hens

A bill that would require some stores selling only cage-free eggs to offer lower-welfare eggs as an affordable option risks a 'major set-back' for animal welfare, say critics

Iowa grocery stores selling cage-free eggs may soon be required to stock eggs from battery hens as well.

The bill would affect two of Iowa's largest supermarkets, HyVee and Fareway Stores, and national chains such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and Target, as well as smaller independent grocers. That's because the bill is pegged to a government food-assistance program for low-income pregnant women, mothers and children, known as WIC. Stores that accept WIC vouchers would have to offer caged eggs alongside eggs that come from cage-free, free range or enriched colony cage environments.