Victoria-based small egg producer Doreen Eggs has been fined $39,600 over alleged false or misleading claims that its eggs were free-range.
The business has admitted to selling eggs labelled as ‘free range’ despite the hens not having access to an outdoor range.
Under the Free Range Egg Labelling Information Standard, producers can only label their eggs as ‘free-range’ if they were laid by hens that have regular access to an outdoor range during the daylight hours of the laying cycle and can roam and forage on the outdoor range. The hens must also be kept at a stocking density of 10,000 or fewer per hectare.
According to the ACCC, more than 8600 cartons of mislabelled eggs were sold in May and June last year through two wholesalers, 30 small retailers and direct farm-gate sales.
The company also sold the products in cartons displaying the Australian Eggs Ltd logo, suggesting the business had sponsorship or approval from the organisation when it did not.
“Consumers often seek out and pay a premium for free-range eggs, so they need to be confident the eggs meet the legal definition of being ‘free range’,” ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said.
“Egg producers must ensure their farming practices match what their labels tell consumers.”
In addition to the penalty, Doreen Eggs has committed to informing consumers about its misrepresentations, independently reviewing its compliance processes, updating its packaging and traceability systems, and conducting further staff training.
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Victoria-based small egg producer Doreen Eggs has been fined $39,600 over alleged false or misleading claims that its eggs were free-range. The business has admitted to selling eggs labelled as ‘f...