Key questions Throughout this consultation there are a number of detailed questions for stakeholders to consider, to assist in better defining the problem and to analyse the costs and benefits of the different options. Stakeholders lodging formal submissions are encouraged to refer to those detailed questions in their submissions. For quick reference, some of the key questions are listed below. The problem Do production system claims for eggs such as range’ sometimes mislead consumers? ‘free Is this the case for other claims, including or laid? ‘barn’ ‘cage’ If so, how much detriment have consumers suffered due to misleading production system claims for eggs? What detriment have producers and retailers suffered due to misleading production system claims for eggs made by competitors? Do producers face significant uncertainty about how to ensure they do not make misleading production system claims for eggs? The policy response An information standard for eggs labelled range’ could mandate that the eggs come from ‘free flocks in which most hens go outside on most ordinary days. Would this reduce the problem? Do range’ egg producers want detailed guidance on production factors that reliably lead ‘free to compliance with the requirement that most hens go outside on most ordinary days? Any detailed guidance on range’ egg production factors would need to be developed in ‘free consultation with industry. If this guidance is desired, should it be: included as a as part of an information standard? ‘defence’ published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as clear guidance about the current law? delayed until after the review of the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals ‘Model — Domestic Poultry’ has been completed? Should an information standard require prominent disclosure on range’ egg cartons of ‘free the indoor or outdoor stocking density of hens, or any other practices? Should an information standard require prominent disclosure of production methods for all hen eggs: as either or eggs? ‘free ‘barn’ ‘cage’ including optional categories such as to range’ and free range’? ‘access ‘premium What are the benefits and what are the compliance costs of introducing an information standard? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Key questions Throughout this consultation there are a number of detailed questions for stakeholders to consider, to assist in better defining the problem and to analyse the costs and benefits of the different options. Stakeholders lodging formal submissions are encouraged to refer to those detailed questions in their submissions. For quick reference, some of the key questions are listed below. The problem Do production system claims for eggs such as ‘free range’ sometimes mislead consumers? Is this the case for other claims, including ‘barn’ or ‘cage’ laid? If so, how much detriment have consumers suffered due to misleading production system claims for eggs? What detriment have producers and retailers suffered due to misleading production system claims for eggs made by competitors? Do producers face significant uncertainty about how to ensure they do not make misleading production system claims for eggs? The policy response An information standard for eggs labelled ‘free range’ could mandate that the eggs come from flocks in which most hens go outside on most ordinary days. Would this reduce the problem? Do ‘free range’ egg producers want detailed guidance on production factors that reliably lead to compliance with the requirement that most hens go outside on most ordinary days? Any detailed guidance on ‘free range’ egg production factors would need to be developed in consultation with industry. If this guidance is desired, should it be: included as a ‘defence’ as part of an information standard? published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as clear guidance about the current law? delayed until after the review of the ‘Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals — Domestic Poultry’ has been completed? Should an information standard require prominent disclosure on ‘free range’ egg cartons of the indoor or outdoor stocking density of hens, or any other practices? Should an information standard require prominent disclosure of production methods for all hen eggs: as either ‘free ‘barn’ or ‘cage’ eggs? including optional categories such as ‘access to range’ and ‘premium free range’? What are the benefits and what are the compliance costs of introducing an information standard? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
C2016-011_egg_labelling_RIS.docx