A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses egg labelling regulation, bird flu, and manure management at poultry farms. The government indicates a preference for industry-led schemes and ACCC oversight for egg labelling, and states no studies have been conducted on bird flu or manure effects.

AnsweredQoN 743Legislative Council
Asked
18 February 2014
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

(1) What studies has the
Western Australian Government conducted on the relative merits of market-driven approaches
compared to regulatory approaches in meeting consumer needs to distinguish free
range eggs from cage and barn eggs? (2) What faith can
consumers have in the labelling of eggs for sale in an unregulated market? (3) What studies has the
Western Australian Government conducted into the relationship between poultry farms and
outbreaks of bird flu? (4) What studies has the
Western Australian Government conducted on the effect of accumulated manure from poultry farms?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
11 March 2014
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
21 days
(1) None. However, at a national level, ministers responsible for food regulation have agreed that 'consumer values' labelling issues are more appropriately managed through industry led schemes, rather than through mandatory regulation.
(2) Consumers can currently distinguish between cage laid and non-cage laid eggs, which can include a range of stocking densities. Other labelling approaches are being developed. Consumer demand will drive this. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) oversees egg labelling and can act on misleading labelling.
(3-4) None

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