Australians have been waiting five years for the federal government to hatch a plan on free range eggs – but the result has been branded a farce by a consumer advocacy group as it relaxes the rules for egg producers who will be able to advertise eggs as “free range” under a standard that crams hens closer together and does not even decree for the birds to go outside. 

But despite the heavy criticism, Australia’s Small Business Minister Michael McCormack insists that consumers will now have the information they need to make informed choices when it comes to purchasing free-range eggs, “thanks to a new information standard registered under the Australian Consumer Law.”

“I want to ensure Australians are fully informed when they purchase products. The new free-range egg labeling information standard gives Australians more information about the eggs on supermarket shelves, so they can make an informed choice when choosing between available brands,” he says. 

“The new standard will also remove uncertainty faced by producers who choose to label their eggs free-range.”

Minister McCormack said the new standard was reached after many months of consultation with industry and consumer groups, with hundreds of submissions received during public consultations.

“Eggs are a staple ingredient in the average family’s weekly grocery basket. Prices widely vary depending on a number of factors including the use of a free-range label.

“The information standard will require eggs labeled as free-range to have been laid by hens that had meaningful and regular access to the outdoors and with an outdoor stocking density of 10,000 hens, or less, per hectare.

“The stocking density will need to be prominently displayed on the packaging to allow easy comparison between different eggs on supermarket shelves. While a number of stakeholders argued for this stocking density to be lower, my decision takes into consideration the views of consumers, advocacy groups and industry, and provides a sensible balance with a focus on informing consumers – so they can make the choice that’s right for their needs.”

Free-Range Farce
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has branded the move a “free range farce”, claiming its shoppers who will lose out in the new free range egg standard. 

Tom Godfrey, from CHOICE, says consumers will be paying for eggs that dont meet their understanding of free range.

"Its extremely disappointing that the new standard on free range eggs locks in a cap that is more than six times the previous voluntary limit of 1,500 hens per hectare.  says Godfrey.

"We believe the new standard fails to meet consumers understanding of what free range actually means."

Godfrey adds that while stocking densities need to be printed on the pack, there is no requirement for information to be displayed consistently, or in a way that would help consumers compare free range egg products.

Free Range Finally Unscrambled
Meanwhile the Egg Farmers of Australia (EFA) has welcomed the finalization of the Free-Range Labeling Information Standard, claiming that it will bring “simplicity and clarity” to the term free range, while also ensuring that when consumers choose to buy free range they will know exactly what they are getting.

“Under the new standard, every farmer must give their hens meaningful and regular access to an outdoor range. Any hen who wants to go outdoors will be able to do so, if she chooses to. People will also be able to see on egg cartons how many hens per hectare there are on the farm. Displaying stock density information on egg cartons gives the choice to consumers,” says John Dunn, CEO, Egg Farmers of Australia.

“This is a win for consumers and a win for farmers. Consumers will now have confidence that when they buy free-range that’s what they’re getting. They’ll also have more choice with stocking density to be displayed on carton.”

“After years of uncertainty, farmers will have the confidence to invest in new free range farming facilities and technologies, such as new environmental controls in sheds to keep hens cool during summer and enrichments to range areas.”

“EFA supports consumers in their right to choose which type of eggs they want to buy – whether that be from free range, barn or caged hens. We look forward to the new labeling standards being implemented.”