Eggs (Labelling and Sale) Regulation 2019

This regulation is the Eggs (Labelling and Sale) Regulation 2019.

The dictionary at the end of this regulation is part of this regulation.

Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this regulation defines certain terms used in this regulation.

Note 2 A definition in the dictionary applies to the entire regulation unless the definition, or another provision of the regulation provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).

A note included in this regulation is explanatory and is not part of this regulation.

Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.

The following conditions are prescribed for keeping hens that lay aviary eggs:

the hens are kept in a shed;

the hens have the freedom and capacity to socialise, to move freely within the shed, to stretch, perch, nest, dust bathe, flap wings and fly;

the hens have adequate perching facilities and nests available to birds on a number of levels within the shed to accommodate the needs of all hens;

half the housing is kept under litter;

the stocking level and other requirements for deep litter systems under the code with the allowance of a number of additional levels of nesting and perching space are complied with.

The following conditions are prescribed for keeping hens that lay barn eggs:

the hens are kept in a shed;

the hens have the freedom and capacity to socialise, to move freely within the shed, to stretch, perch, nest, dust bathe, flap wings and fly;

the hens have adequate perching facilities and nests available to birds within the shed to accommodate the needs of all hens;

half the housing is kept under litter;

the stocking level and other requirements for deep litter systems on a single level under the code are complied with.

The following conditions are prescribed for keeping hens that lay cage eggs:

the hens are kept in cages;

the hens do not have access to litter, perch or nest; and

the stocking level and other requirements for cage systems under the code are complied with.

The following conditions are prescribed for keeping hens that lay free-range eggs:

the hens have meaningful and regular access to an outdoor range during daylight hours during the laying cycle; and

the hens have the ability to roam and forage on the outdoor range; and

a stocking density of 10 000 hens or less is complied with.

However, the requirements under subsection (1) do not apply if hens are prevented from accessing an outdoor range for 1 or more of the following reasons:

the hens are undergoing nest box training;

risk to the health or safety of the hens caused by weather conditions;

exposure to predators;

the hens are being given medical treatment;

exceptional circumstances posing significant risk to the health or safety of the hens.

For subsection (2), the total period of time for which access to the outdoor range is prevented must not be unreasonable.

The Legislation Act, section 47 (6) does not apply to the code.

Note The code is accessible at www.publish.csiro.au.