Eggs

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]

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]