AECL: We won’t support bad eggs

The Australian Egg Corporation Ltd (AECL) has expressed concern over allegations that an Australian egg farmer was selling cage eggs as free-range eggs, saying that it will only provide support to ethical, law-abiding egg producers.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) made the allegations against Rosemary Bruhn, a South Australian egg producer trading as Rosie’s Free Range Eggs. The ACCC claims that, from 2007 to 2010, Bruhn supplied business customers with eggs that were represented as free range when a significant proportion were, in fact, cage eggs.

The ACCC has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Bruhn, with a directions hearing scheduled for 28 March. It alleges Bruhn contravened section 55 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

The court proceedings do not relate to eggs that were sold at the farm gate or the Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers Market.

James Kellaway, Managing Director of AECL, said, “We are all about truth in labelling and ensuring consumers get what they pay for. Egg farmers of Australia fully support the watchful eye of the law over the egg industry and will assist the ACCC if requested in any investigations of malpractice as the industry has nothing to hide.

“It is important to note that the vast majority of egg farmers are honest, law-abiding people. As egg farmers from around the world, we care about: producing the highest quality, safest product; our environment; providing choice; the welfare of our hens; and feeding our growing population,” Kellaway said.