An information standard for the labelling of free range eggs

On 31 March 2016, Consumer Affairs Ministers agreed to the introduction of an information standard requiring eggs labelled as 'free range' to have been laid by hens with meaningful and regular access to the outdoors and with an outdoor stocking density of 10,000 hens per hectare or fewer.

The information standard will also require producers to prominently disclose the outdoor stocking density of hens laying free range eggs, allowing consumers to easily compare the practices of different egg producers.

Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law will also provide complying egg producers with a safe harbour from claims of misleading and deceptive conduct in relation to free range claims.

Further information is available on the Treasury website.