Experts disagree on whether big farms are riskier, but agree egg recall shows potential danger

Experts say big egg farms can mean big problems

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — From the first days of the massive egg recall from two Iowa farms, one point been clear: When something goes wrong on a big farm, it’s going to be a big problem.

Petaluma, Calif., farmer Arnold Riebli acknowledges that because his operation includes more than a million hens, problems can quickly become serious. But he adds that the size of his farm lets him devote staff and time to food safety that small farms typically can’t manage.

Groups such as the Humane Society of the United States argue that giant farms that cage hens are inherently more risky for food safety. They cite European studies that say salmonella is more commonly found on big egg-laying farms.

Others say such studies aren’t necessarily applicable to U.S. operations.