September 9, 2011

Major Australian chicken suppliers are facing courts due to their chickens allegedly roaming in spacious barns.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)  has launched Federal Court action against Baiada Poultry and Bartter Enterprises and Turi Foods, which supply chickens to Steggles and La Ionica respectively, and peak industry body the Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc.

The three are accused of raising their chickens in spacious barns where they can wander freely, similar to free-range birds.

ACCC says chickens raised in barns cannot enjoy a free range-type lifestyle because of overcrowding.

The Australian watchdog concludes that promotional activities that convey an impression of farming practices are powerful representations which influence many consumer purchases and food choices.