Additionally, the AEB also works with foodservice professionals to keep eggs on top of evolving food trends, emerging consumer needs and changing competitive landscapes.
[7] In 2008, the AEB tried to funnel $3 million to a private lobbying organization, attempting to overturn a California ballot measure which would prohibit the extreme confinement of farm animals.
[8] Anti-competitive marketing tactics have also been displayed by the AEB in their involvement to get government retailers and regulators to participate in the halting of sales for Just Mayo brand products.
The USDA found emails by the AEB threatening to put a “hit” on CEO Josh Tetrick of Hampton Creek, the company that produces Just Mayo brand products.
[10] In September 2015, a Freedom of Information request by Ryan Shapiro[11] had revealed a number of cases where the government-controlled AEB had engaged in a systematic paid advocacy campaign targeting Hampton Creek.
The AEB paid food bloggers to post articles containing the group's talking points regarding eggs, targeted personalities and websites that had posted articles covering the company in a positive manner, and purchased keyword advertising on Google Search to display advertisements on searches for Hampton Creek or its founder Josh Tetrick, among other actions.
"[12] The USDA stated in a report that AEB staff “will be required to complete additional training regarding proper email etiquette and ethics.”[13] As a result of the Hampton Creek scandal, Joanne Ivy, the chief executive of the board, took early retirement.
A giant inflatable Incredible Balloon and mascot can also be found on the lawn throughout the day and EggPops are handed out as a snack to hungry attendees.