Egg cartons are about to hit Coles’ supermarket shelves under the Victorian Farmers Federation’s new HenCare logo.
“The HenCare logo tells consumers they are buying eggs from producers who not only comply with current food safety legislation, but are also committed to providing the best care for their hens and eggs,” VFF Egg group president Brian Ahmed said.
Mr Ahmed said it had taken more than 5 years to develop the HenCare Quality Assurance program, following the national harmonisation of food safety and welfare standards.
“It means HenCare can be used by any egg producer, no matter where they farm in Australia,” he said.
Coles head of Responsible Sourcing and Quality Merchandise, Jackie Healing, said the retailer recognised HenCare as a means of providing transparency and credibility to egg farming systems right across Australia.
“It’s particularly helpful in assuring customers of the validity of claims such as free range,” Ms Healing said.
“Coles expects all its egg suppliers, both private label and branded, to have their farms assessed to an independent standard such that we can assure customers of the quality and safety of the food we sell.”
Nationally recognised auditors, who have no stake in the egg industry, will be conducting the HenCare audits.
HenCare will be launched at the VFF Conference on June 27 at 4.30pm in the Expo Hall at the Melbourne Showground.
Interest in the program has been over-whelming with several interstate egg producers signing on as VFF members to participate in the program.
Any egg producer interested in joining the VFF to participate in HenCare should contact VFF Egg Group executive officer Clare de Kok.
Media contacts:
Brian’s Ahmed, VFF Eggs President, 0412 558 152
Clare de Kok, VFF Eggs executive officer, 0417 163 940
Tom Whitty, VFF Public affairs advisor, 0466 466 035