If you buy free range eggs every time you visit the supermarket, it’s probably because you’re trying to do a good thing. The right thing.
But unfortunately, you might not be making any difference at all.
Wait, wait – we’re not trying to shame you. Because the fact of the matter is, it’s not your fault.
It’s that the labelling and certification around free range eggs in Australia is darn tricksy – and even a dozen eggs that say they’re free range on the carton, might be packing a large number of hens into an uncomfortably small space.
We’ll let this helpful video explain.
So, what eggs CAN you feel good about buying?
It depends on how strict your standards are but consumer watchdog Choice says that buying eggs that are labelled with one of these three logos – FREPAA, RSPCA and AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC – will ensure good quality eggs that are free-range or produced using cruelty free and ethical means.
Free Range Egg and Poultry Association of Australia (FREPAA). They allow 750 hens per hectare. The RSPCA mainly endorses barn-laid eggs but also free-range farms that meet their criteria – and allow 1500 hens per hectare (or 2500 is they are rotated). They do, however, allow beak trimming, too.Australian Certified Organic endorses egg farmers that don’t stock more than 1,500 birds per hectare if they are set stocking or up to 2,500 birds per hectare for layers on pasture rotations.
The Checkout segment above also mentioned Human Choice as a good label to look out for, and allow 1500 hens per hectare.
What kind of eggs do you usually buy?
Top Comments
We have back yard chickens, only way to know 100% how the chickens are treated, not an option for everyone but we love our girls! Great pets too!
Good News. Real free range will be available in Coles very soon. Humane Choice accredited eggs! Follow the Humane Choice facebook page for the announcement of when they hit the shelves.
Nup, couldn't disagree more. Every time I've ever read anything about Humane Choice, it's just been one of the team bad-mouthing all the other animal welfare charities! I'd rather give my money to someone that just gets on with the job!! Never mind the fact that the products are RIDICULOUSLY expensive and very niche - what's the point of promoting them if you can't buy them anywhere? ... blah ...