The ACCC has released guidance for ‘free range’ labelling of poultry egg and meat in the event of an outbreak of the deadly avian influenza H5N1 in Australia.

In case of a declared H5N1 outbreak, poultry producers may be required by government regulations to house their animals indoors to prevent further spread, including to native birds, with these ‘housing orders’ to be determined by the relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory Chief Veterinary Officers. 

Under the ACCC guidance, egg and poultry meat producers who are affected by a H5N1 government housing order will be able to continue selling their products with ‘free range’ labelling for up to 90 days during a declared outbreak without a risk of enforcement action by the ACCC. 

ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh says 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, however, expects 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.