Poultry producers may continue to sell their products as ‘free range’ for up to 90 days without facing sanctions in case of a declared H5N1 outbreak requiring raisers to keep their animals indoors.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s newly published ‘free range’ labelling guidance, which is not limited to chicken egg and meat producers, says that the provision will allow producers to deal with the immediate threat of H5N1.
“This is intended to give producers time to deal with the immediate risks this strain of avian influenza creates and take steps to protect the health and safety of their flocks,” said Mick Keogh, ACCC deputy chair.
“However, we expect free-range poultry egg and meat producers to take steps to have alternative labelling arrangements ready to roll out on their products as soon as possible.”
In case of an extended housing period, the ACCC requires consumers to be informed that what they are purchasing is housed poultry and not free-range poultry.
Relevant Commonwealth, state and territory chief veterinary officers will determine the housing orders requiring producers to house their poultry.
“The ACCC will continue to monitor developments and intends to update its guidance within 90 days of a confirmed outbreak of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Australia,” said Keogh.
