There are some better Australian voluntary standards. However, it's asking a lot from consumers to decipher differing free-range standards. A good law would be the ideal outcome for consumers and hens.
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Squashed free-range eggs
An article in Choice brought my attention to the fact that free-range eggs in Australia are not defined by law. Instead, virtually all eggs are sold based on an industry standard that seems barely better for hens than the caged situation. The chart below shows how much more room is given to free range hens in Europe. The European space requirements also apply to barn-laid eggs.
There are some better Australian voluntary standards. However, it's asking a lot from consumers to decipher differing free-range standards. A good law would be the ideal outcome for consumers and hens.
There are some better Australian voluntary standards. However, it's asking a lot from consumers to decipher differing free-range standards. A good law would be the ideal outcome for consumers and hens.