States agree to develop a national free-range egg standard

Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has applauded the decision by Consumer Affairs Ministers to develop an enforceable national information standard for free range eggs.

Speckled eggs in carton

This decision follows a sustained campaign by CHOICE, which saw more than 9,000 consumers write to Consumer Affairs Ministers this week calling on them to agree to a national standard for free range eggs and end the “free range” farce.

“This is a massive win for consumers and a significant step towards stopping the free range rip-off,” says CHOICE Director of Campaigns & Communications Matt Levey.

“Consumers want labels that make sense and deliver on their promises. 84% of egg buyers agree that a mandatory national standard is needed and today their voices were heard.

“We congratulate ministers on this decision and we particularly appreciate the leadership shown by the Hon. Victor Dominello, MP, NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, who has strongly advocated for a standard.

“While we don’t want to put the chicken before the egg, the fact that the Ministers have agreed to develop a national standard is a significant win for Aussie free-range-egg lovers. We now need to ensure that the standard meets consumers’ expectations,” Mr Levey says.

CHOICE will continue to work with governments, regulators, industry and consumers to help inform the national standard.