[Greens-Media] Media release: Another one bites the dust - ACCC takes Ecoeggs to court over misleading ‘free-range’ claims

[John Kaye]

Another one bites the dust: ACCC takes Ecoeggs to court over misleading ‘free-range’ claims

Media release: 9 December 2014

The ACCC’s announcement that it will be launching proceedings against Ecoeggs for allegedly misusing the free-range label adds to calls for the proposed national legislated standard to meet consumers’ expectations of animal welfare, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

( “ACCC takes action against Ecoeggs supplier for free range claims”<http://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-takes-action-against-ecoeggs-supplier-for-free-range-claims> Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) media release 9 December 2014)

Dr Kaye said: “Ecoeggs markets itself as a premium free-range producer, but behind the shiny packaging lies a life of alleged misery for their hens.

“The ACCC has found that many of the hens were not even able move freely or go outside.

“Ecoeggs may become the highest profile scalp claimed by the ACCC in their campaign to weed out producers misusing the free-range label as a marketing tool.

“Ecoeggs has been a star performer in using marketing to convince customers that their eggs came from happy hens, including using a novelty ‘chookcam.’

“Despite being awarded the Shonky award by Choice  in 2013 for misleading free-range claims, Ecoeggs has continued to market its products to consumers who care about animal welfare.

“Ecoegg products are stocked in stores across the country, including by the major retailers Coles and Woolworths.

“If Coles and Woolworths have a shred of respect for their shoppers they would immediately pull Ecoeggs from their shelves.

“In June this year the NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason Cox made a commitment in parliament to take into account any ACCC findings in drafting the national legislated standard for free-range eggs.

“Considering the profile of Ecoeggs and the alleged scale of their deception, the Minister must consult with the ACCC before taking his draft standard to the COAG meeting next April.

“The least the Minister can do for the thousands of customers duped into paying a premium for so called ‘free-range’ Ecoeggs is to draft a national standard that meets their expectations, not the demands of the industrial egg lobby,” Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455

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John Kaye
Greens NSW MP

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