Food Labelling
Why is production system labelling on food products important?
At present, the only animal product that is regularly labelled according to its production system is carton eggs. There are three recognised definitions: caged, barn and free range, as defined in the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry.
What is the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme?
The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is Australia’s leading independent certification scheme focused on animal welfare. The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme’s vision is a future of higher welfare farming and its mission to improve the quality of life of farmed animals.
What is higher-welfare food?
Making higher-welfare food choices leads to increased uptake of higher-welfare farming practices along the supply chain. This in turn leads to farm animals benefitting from better conditions. Higher-welfare food, also referred to as ‘humane food’, is meat, eggs and dairy that have come from animals farmed to higher-welfare standards.
What is the difference between, free range, outdoor bred, organic, sow-stall free, RSPCA Approved?
‘Free range’, ‘outdoor bred’, ‘organic’ and ‘sow-stall free’ are terms that are applied to animal-based food products, such as meat or eggs. They refer to the way in which animals are farmed and housed.
Is the term ‘free range’ on a product label enough to guarantee good animal welfare? (the free-range egg example)
Consumer awareness of and demand for higher welfare food is growing and consumers need to be able to make an informed choice about the products they purchase. However, information on the conditions under which animals are farmed is often either lacking or provided through ambiguous labelling.
What are the animal welfare issues associated with imported pork?
All fresh pork products sold in Australia are from pigs raised in Australia, whereas imported pork products are either ‘small goods’ such as processed pork (ham, bacon or salami) or pre-cooked pork (pulled pork).