01.Join our call
The free range egg petition has now closed.
CHOICE would like to thank the 3,101 people who signed on to ask the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to reject the Australian Egg Corporation Limited’s proposed certification trade mark that would allow a 13-fold increase on the current free-range outdoor stocking density maximum.
If you'd like to know more about free range labelling, you can read our article about consumer expectations of free range labelling.
You can also sign up as a CHOICE campaign supporter.
CHOICE’s open letter to the General Manager of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Adjudication Branch
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Dear General Manager,
Re: Australian Egg Corporation Limited Certification Trade Mark Application No. 1390450
As a consumer, I want a national free-range standard based on independent, robust evidence, developed in consultation with consumer groups and animal welfare experts.
Currently, the maximum outdoor stocking density for free range eggs is set at 1,500 birds per hectare under the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Domestic Poultry.
This is reflected in a range of certification standards already in the market which set limits at or below 1,500 birds per hectare.
However, the Australian Egg Corporation Limited (AECL) seeks to set a limit 13 times greater than these accepted levels through Certification Trade Mark Application No. 1390450.
I believe the Egg Corporation’s proposed Certification Trade Mark would create public detriment by setting a free range standard that is inconsistent with the reasonable expectations of consumers and may mislead them.
I support CHOICE’s submission which asks the ACCC to reject the Egg Corporation’s proposed stocking density standards.
Yours sincerely,
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30 May 2012
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If you’re buying free range eggs because you believe in animal welfare, the brands in the big supermarkets may not be meeting your expectations.
24 Apr 2012
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Free range egg standards are back in the spotlight with the Australian Egg Corporation announcing it would increase maximum hen stocking densities to to 20,000 birds per hectare by the end of April.
17 Apr 2012
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CHOICE has called on the Egg Corporation to reconsider its planned 13-fold increase in hen stocking densities for eggs it certifies as free range and instead work with government, animal welfare and consumer groups on a national standard that would meet consumer expectations.