Here's why 'kampong chicken eggs' found in S'pore are not from chickens in a kampong

Does this wholesome scene come to mind when you purchase your kampong chicken eggs at the supermarket?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's probably not what your egg producer means by "kampong chicken".

Kampong chicken eggs

Kampong chicken actually refers to a particular breed of chicken native to Malaysia and Indonesia, not a free-range 'kampong'.

In the past, these chickens were probably raised in wide kampongs, but even though we moved on to chicken farms to ramp up food production, the name "kampong chicken' still stuck.

Free-range eggs

You cannot find free-range eggs in Singapore because the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) does not allow its import for fear of bird flu transmission.

Free-range eggs are laid by chickens which are allowed to roam freely and eat food gathered from its surroundings. This makes it easier for them to pick up unwanted diseases, including the bird flu.

Organic eggs (laid by chickens are are free-range and fed only organic feed without pesticides, antibiotics, or substances) are also not found in Singapore.

Organic-feed eggs

These come from chickens which have been fed a diet free from genetically modified components (GMO) and synthetic fertilizers.

Organic eggs are not regulated in Singapore, so it's hard to verify if or with what quantities the chickens have in fact been raised on organic feed.

Cage-free eggs/Barn-raised eggs

These eggs come from chickens which are not raised in tiny cages, but still within an enclosed area, something like this:

According to a Chew's Agriculture, most chickens spend their lifetime in cages, and only get to roam in wider spaces just before they start laying eggs.

First-born eggs

First-born eggs are eggs laid by new hens in their first month of egg production. They are traditionally believed to be more nutritious. However, according to a dietician, first-born eggs have no superior value to normal eggs.

Special-feed eggs

These are laid by chickens that are fed a diet enriched with certain ingredients.

Contrary to popular belief, carrot eggs are not laid by chickens which are fed carrots. They are fed alfalfa and marigold petals in order for their yolks to produce a deep orange colour. 

Brown eggs/White eggs

Finally, the age-old question - are brown eggs better than white eggs?

Both are similar in nutritional content. Brown eggs are laid by hens with red feathers and ear lobes while white eggs are laid by hens with white feathers and ear lobes.

Now you know.

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