In an article dealing with housing of flocks included in the April 8th edition of  EGG-NEWS an image of an egg carton was inadvertently included to illustrate a typical label identifying the product as derived from hens allowed outside access. There was no intent to imply that the producer concerned was marketing eggs with a ‘free-range’ label while confining flocks to barns as a precaution against possible exposure to avian influenza.

It is reiterated that if flocks are confined to barns for the duration of the period of risk for avian influenza, using existing packaging claiming in text or implying by image that flocks are allowed access to pasture will create an opportunity for enterprising lawyers or regulators to cry “fowl”.