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