Fact check: Egg is vegetarian, cause they are not fertilized

1. Summary of the results

The question of whether eggs are vegetarian is more complex than the original statement suggests. While commercially produced eggs are indeed unfertilized ^[1], the classification of eggs as vegetarian varies significantly based on different perspectives:

• From a technical standpoint, eggs are considered vegetarian since they contain no animal flesh and no animal is killed in their direct production ^{[2] [1]}
• The egg white is universally considered vegetarian, while the yolk has a more complex classification due to containing reproductive cells ^[3]
• Terms like "ovo-vegetarian" and "lacto-ovo vegetarian" exist specifically to describe vegetarians who consume eggs ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important perspectives are absent from the original statement:

• Religious and Cultural Considerations: Some traditions, particularly in Hinduism, consider eggs non-vegetarian regardless of fertilization status ^[2]
• Ethical Considerations:
• The egg industry's practices, including the separation of hens from roosters, are considered problematic by some groups ^[5]
• The industrial farming system that produces eggs often results in the killing of chickens ^[2]

Vegan Perspective: Vegans consider eggs non-vegetarian because they view egg production as commodifying living organisms, regardless of fertilization ^[6]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement oversimplifies a complex issue by:

• Suggesting that fertilization status is the only factor in determining if eggs are vegetarian
• Ignoring the distinction between technical classification and ethical/religious considerations ^[4]
• Not acknowledging that while eggs may be classified as vegetarian from a biological standpoint, various groups have valid reasons for considering them non-vegetarian ^{[2] [5]}

Those who benefit from promoting eggs as vegetarian include:

• The egg industry and commercial farms
• Nutritionists and health professionals who view eggs as a valuable protein source for vegetarians
• Organizations promoting more flexible interpretations of vegetarianism

Those who benefit from classifying eggs as non-vegetarian include:

• Animal rights organizations
• Vegan product manufacturers
• Religious institutions maintaining traditional dietary restrictions