Campaign Against Factory Farming Seeks Egg Inquiry

Press release from the Campaign Against Factory Farming

The Campaign Against Factory Farming (CAFF) has made a formal request to the Commerce Commission to investigate requiring mandatory labelling of battery eggs. CAFF is also asking that battery egg producers be required to undertake corrective advertising to ensure consumers are properly informed.

CAFF is opposed to battery farming because of extensive international scientific evidence confirming that hens suffer in battery cages. CAFF spokesperson Debra Ashton says "When we are conducting our educational stalls outside supermarkets, we are often surprised at how customers are taken in by misleading labeling such as 'Farm Fresh Eggs'. The public overwhelmingly supports a ban on the cruel system of battery production. Honest labeling will assure they can make a genuine informed choice in their purchasing decisions".

United Future MP Marc Alexander supports the CAFF position on compulsory labelling. "Consumers have the right to know what they pay for. I don't believe that most Kiwis would knowingly pay for cruelty", says Alexander. "I support labeling that clearly states 'BATTERY EGGS', as that is the term New Zealanders are most aware of".

Research from Australia has shown a discrepancy between the number of people who say they buy free-range eggs, and actual market share of free range eggs. "We believe this is almost entirely due to the misleading nature of egg labels", says Ashton. Eggs sold in the European Community and some Australian states now have to be clearly labelled with the production method.

Photo caption: United Future MP Marc Alexander at a local supermarket, demonstrating the type of label he would like to see on battery eggs.

ENDS

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