The introduction of a controversial new definition of free-range eggs could be delayed after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has called for public comments on the standard.However, rather than a delay, I can only hope that it won’t be approved at all.
In fact, I’d like to propose a ban on caged chickens outright, even if it means we pay more for our eggs. I’d rather pay more for my eggs and know that they have come from a chicken that is free to roam, rather than a poor suffering hen that lives in a space the size of an A4 piece of paper!
I have no doubt that there are many other unnecessary items that the majority of Australians, rich or poor, are still buying that could easily be forgone in place of paying more for such a nutritional food, and allowing chickens to roam free as nature intended?
The Australian Egg Corporation has lodged an application with the ACCC to register a new certification trademark, which would allow egg producers to keep as many as 20,000 hens a hectare and label them free-range.
This is a massive increase from the current standard of 1500 hens per hectare and would allow much more cramped and unpleasant conditions for hens to be defined as ‘free range’ for the purpose of selling free range eggs.
On a state level, the Greens NSW are taking important steps to address the exploitation of genuine free-range farmers and consumers by the Egg Corporation and their large industrial egg producers.
Greens NSW MP and fair trading spokesperson John Kaye has a bill before NSW Parliament that would protect genuine free-range farmers and consumers by introducing a definition of free-range eggs and penalties for producers who misuse the term.
The bill has already passed through the Upper House and the Greens NSW are now campaigning to get the support of the Government in the Lower House. To read more about campaign and what you can do to help make the bill law visit truthinlabelling.org.au
You can also download a petition and get your friends and family to sign it, or ask your local organic and other like-minded shops to display and forward on the signed petition.
If we all take action, we CAN make a difference – and enjoy our free range eggs for what they really are!