Free range eggs aren't always all they're cracked up to be and a nationally-consistent legal definition has to be established, the RSPCA says.
The call comes after a survey by consumer group Choice showed that consumers who opt to take animal welfare into account in their purchases may be being duped.
"Just because a carton says free range and has pictures of happy looking chickens adorning the cover doesn't mean the eggs have been produced to high welfare standards," said RSPCA Australia's scientific officer Melina Tensen.
"What's needed in the first instance is a nationally consistent legal definition of the term free range and other such terms that imply improved animal welfare standards, as well as much tighter regulation."
Ms Tensen said in the meantime consumers should look for eggs from producers that meet good animal welfare standards.
"The RSPCA accredits barn laid and free range systems that ensure hens have access to nests, space to move freely, flap their wings and socialise, have constant access to food and water and are protected from predators and the elements."
The RSPCA accredited facilities undergo a stringent and regular inspection process to ensure our strict welfare standards are being met, she said.
Ms Tensen said battery hens suffered intensely and continuously throughout their confinement in cages.
"The RSPCA's ultimate goal is to get the 10.5 million caged layer hens in Australia out of cages and into a well managed barn or free range system," she said.
Consumer demand for welfare-friendly eggs and other food products is growing rapidly in Australia, the RSPCA says.
Choice said three big producers market well over half the free-range eggs sold in Australia.
"Their free-range eggs are produced on a truly industrial scale and some come from flocks of up to 120,000 birds. Their eggs come off conveyor belts," their report said.
