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Food Labelling

Do you know what terms like "free-range", "bred free-range", or "grain-fed" really mean?

Or are you, like most of us, pretty confused and uncertain about the seemingly arbitrary use of these terms on food labels?

RSPCA Australia believes:

  • The public should have full and accurate information about the production method used for the animal products they buy.
  • Labelling of food products should be clear and unambiguous.
  • We need legally defined and nationally consistent definitions of the terms that describe a particular method of production (e.g. free-range).

Why?

So that when you buy food with a label that implies good animal welfare (e.g. free-range), you can be assured that certain minimum standards have been met. And, with increased consumer confidence and demand in such products, more and more producers will provide higher standards of welfare for the animals in their care.

An independent review into food labelling law and policy was conducted over two rounds of consultations in 2009 and 2010. Over 6000 submissions were received. The review has been completed, and recommendations will be presented to our State and Federal representatives.

It has been recommended that the relevant livestock industries consider the benefit of establishing agreed standards under the auspices of Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand for terms related to animal husbandry (e.g., ‘free range’, ‘barn laid’ and ‘caged’ in the case of poultry).

 The report is now available at the Food Labelling Law and Policy Review website.

More information

 

 

 

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