Biological Farmers of Australia's (BFA)

Consumers are making their feelings known when it comes to ethical and healthy eating by choosing organic eggs. According to the BFA recent Australian Organic Market Report this sector of the organic industry is growing faster than any other with 75 per cent growth in organic retail sales over the past two years.

So what is the fuss about organic eggs and what constitutes a certified organic egg?

According to Australian organic standards, certified organic is free range plus a lot more. The major points of difference include some of the highest animal welfare standards; the means to avoid synthetic additives and chemicals (on-farm as well as yolk colourants and antibiotics); and chicken feed must be a minimum 95% organic with any remaining ingredients needing to satisfy stringent requirements.

BFA General Manager Holly Vyner says that buying certified organic food, including eggs, is a guarantee that animals are protected by some of the most rigorous animal protection regulations.

"For chickens, including egg production, Australian organic standards prohibit debeaking, comb or toe removal, battery production, overcrowding and the use of poly peepers (permanent blindfolds).

"One production difference that many people are unaware of is that many conventional brands use yolk colourants, having identified that the deeper yellow colour of the yolk is perceived by consumers to be natural as well as to make them more appealing," says Holly.

"When comparing meat birds, organic chickens take 65-80 days to grow as compared to the antibiotic-fuelled 35-40 days taken by a conventionally reared bird and therefore have a higher production cost. The results, in terms of taste and texture, along with animal welfare concerns, are the reason many prefer organic," she says.

"If you want eggs the way they would be if you raised them at home, then certified organic is your choice."

Consumers must be aware to look for a "certified organic" symbol such as the Australian Certified Organic Bud logo, which is the most prominent mark for a guarantee that what they are purchasing is truly organic.

"You must look for 'certified organic' rather than just 'organic' otherwise you have no guarantee that the producer is respecting organic standards. Certified organic allows you to be confident about where your food has come from. The Australian Certified Organic Bud logo is the most recognised and won the Choice Award this year for the Best Food Endorsement Program," says Holly.