Australian supermarket shoppers are being urged to look beyond chicken labels such as “free-range”, “organic” and “hormone-free” before paying extra.
Experts say these labels can reflect different farming standards, including animal welfare, feed quality, outdoor access and certification requirements.
“Organic” chicken generally follows stricter production rules and certification standards, making it one of the more expensive options for consumers.
Meanwhile, the term “hormone-free” can be misleading, as hormone use in Australian poultry production has already been banned for decades.
Food experts warn that some marketing claims may create an image of better animal welfare, while the actual standards behind each label can vary.
Consumers are being encouraged to check certified labels carefully and understand what they are really buying at Australian supermarkets.
