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COMPANY RATINGS | |
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Praises, no criticism |
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Some praise, no criticism |
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Praises, some criticism |
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Criticism, some praise |
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Criticisms |
Note: Ratings are based on company record, including parent companies.
They are not a comment on the product itself. |
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Australian Owned |
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Outstanding Product Feature |
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Industry Alert |
IssuesWhat do you value? > Animal testing > Conflict minerals > Factory farming > Food miles > Genetic engineering > Labour exploitation > Nanotechnology > Overfishing > Packaging & waste > Palm oil > See all |
CategoriesWhat do you buy? > Baby > Clothing > Food & Drink > Household > Office Supplies > Personal Care > Pets > Retail > Technology > Toys > See all |
Eggs
The Guide > Food & Drink > Dairy & Chilled > Eggs |
Factory farming
Factory farming is the system of raising animals using 'intensive production' line methods that maximise the amount of meat produced while minimising costs. It is characterised by close confinement in barren and unnatural conditions and involves massive environmental pollution and health risks for both animals and humans. In Australia as in other countries this is our conventional means of raising pigs, chickens and producing eggs. [www.animalsaustralia.org]
- Look for eggs labelled 'free-range'; next choose 'barn-laid' over regular 'cage' (battery) eggs. [Shop Ethical: Egg Choices]
- Look for smallgoods labelled 'Free-Range'. Choose 'accredited free range' where possible. (Please note: 'Bred free range' can be misleading - piglets are weaned at about 4 weeks and raised indoors in eco shelters.) [PROOF]
- Look for 'Organic' or 'Free-Range' chicken and pork. (In order to achieve organic certification, chicken and pigs farmed organically must be free-range.) [Sustainable Table]
- See more at [The Meatrix]
- For information on the factory farming of chickens in Australia, see the Voiceless report "From Nest to Nugget", 2008. [From Nest to Nugget]
Free range egg claims
In May 2016 a new national standard for free-range egg production was introduced, requiring the density of chickens outdoors must be no more than one hen per square metre (10,000 hens per hectare).
This legislation is significantly less strict than the 1,500 birds per hectare standard, recommended by the CSIRO and preferred by the RSPCA.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE responded to the new standards by calling for a consumer boycott of eggs from companies with high stocking densities. Find out how particular brands stack up. [Choice report]
Alternatives beyond the mainstream 
Free-range eggs buying guide [more info]
Pastured and free range eggs directory [more info]
About these listings
Find farmers' markets, food coops, farm gate products at Local Harvest
Features: Low stocking density
Follow the link to see Choice's complete list of Australian egg brands that meet the recommended model code of 1500 hens per hectare. The government's free range egg standard allows stocking densities of up to 10,000 hens per hectare with no mandate for hens to actually spend time outdoors.
Manufacturer: CHOICE
Follow the link to see Choice's complete list of Australian egg brands that meet the recommended model code of 1500 hens per hectare. The government's free range egg standard allows stocking densities of up to 10,000 hens per hectare with no mandate for hens to actually spend time outdoors.
Manufacturer: CHOICE
Find local egg farmers who 'pasture' their hens. Check out the directory. These hens are raised all or most of their lives on pasture and are moved every few days to enrich the soil; they are free to dust bathe, scratch and forage, eating worms and grubs.
Manufacturer: Flavour Crusader
Manufacturer: Flavour Crusader
BRAND | COMPANY | OWNED | RATING |
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Honest Eggs Co ![]() |
Honest Eggs Co | ![]() |
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Yallamundi Farm ![]() |
Yallamundi Farm | ![]() |
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Manning Valley | Manning Valley Eggs | ![]() |
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Lodge Farms | Aldi Australia (Aldi South) | GER | ![]() |
Good Farmer (WA) ![]() |
CF Farms | ![]() |
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Essential Foods | Farm Pride | ![]() |
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Farm Pride | Farm Pride | ![]() |
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Golden Eggs (WA) | Golden Egg Farms | ![]() |
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Family Value | Pace Farm | ![]() |
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Pace Farm | Pace Farm | ![]() |
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Wattle Ridge | Pace Farm | ![]() |
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Pirovic | Pirovic Family Farms | ![]() |
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Free Range Egg Farmers | Sunny Queen | ![]() |
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McLean's Run ![]() |
Sunny Queen | ![]() |
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Meggles Farm | Sunny Queen | ![]() |
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Organic Egg Farmers ![]() |
Sunny Queen | ![]() |
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Simply Eggs | Sunny Queen | ![]() |
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Sunny Queen | Sunny Queen | ![]() |
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Sunny Queen Free Range ![]() |
Sunny Queen | ![]() |
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Natures Best | Veggs Australia | ![]() |
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Veggs for Families | Veggs Australia | ![]() |
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ecoeggs ![]() |
Free Range Egg Farms | ![]() |
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Field Fresh (NSW) | Free Range Egg Farms | ![]() |
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Port Stephens (NSW) | Free Range Egg Farms | ![]() |
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