The round yeast dough pastry is on everyone’s lips in February: we are talking about the popular carnival donut. However, few people know that the coveted pastry is often associated with animal suffering. A recent test by Vier Pfoten shows a sobering result.
More than 100 million donuts are eaten in Austria each year, about 50 percent of which are eaten in February. Did you know that “Billa” sells nine different types of donuts? And do you know where the egg in the popular pastry comes from? The animal welfare organization Four Paws tested the donut range of seven local supermarkets for labeling of the origin and farming conditions of the eggs used.
The result is sobering: of the 41 donuts, 18, so almost half, were not marked at all. Seven exclusively labeled according to origin (Austria) and eleven according to origin and husbandry (see image). This means that imported caged eggs can also be used for production – we just don’t know.
Labeling requirement is long overdue
Tierecke manager Maggie Entenfellner denounces: “This test proves once again how little the industry wants to reveal. As a result, the consumer remains ignorant and our farmers are disadvantaged with their regional products – in this case fairly produced eggs.”
One of 41 donuts made from organic eggs
For the research, Four Paws made several visits to the supermarkets Billa, Billa Plus, Penny, Lidl, Hofer, Spar and Adeg and examined the range of donuts. Conclusion: Only one of the 41 tested donuts is organic, ie made from organic eggs – those from Ja!Natürlich (available from Billa and Billa Plus).
Form of husbandry insufficient from an animal welfare point of view
It is frightening that according to the test, for example at Spar, not one of the eight varieties has the origin and farming conditions of the processed eggs. In other supermarkets, the eggs mainly come from free-range eggs. As a reminder, in this form, nine chickens per square meter live in huge halls – up to 24,000 animals are squeezed into such a shed. They never see the light of day.
Know what’s in it…
A look at the labeling of ingredients in carnival donuts pays off! Or you can bake the sweet pastry yourself, so you are on the safe side with the ingredients used. You can find our recipe here. Well done!
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
