Sunny Queen has been notified of the ACCC’s decision to commence civil proceedings against Sunny Queen and its shareholders (Alpair and DHP/DHPC) regarding alleged contraventions of certain competition law provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The allegations primarily relate to the terms of Sunny Queen’s agreements with its shareholders and main suppliers of eggs in Queensland and Victoria.
Sunny Queen has cooperated fully with the ACCC throughout the course of its investigation. Sunny Queen denies the allegations and intends to defend the proceedings.
Sunny Queen was founded by Australian farmers and has been supplying Australian families with eggs for more than 50 years. Over those five decades Sunny Queen has earned a reputation for ethical farming and consumer practices and remains committed to adhering to these high standards.
While this process is underway, it’s business as usual for Sunny Queen and we will continue to supply Australian families with fresh, nutritious eggs.
For any media inquiries, please contact Sue Cato at Cato Counsel on +61 419 282 319 or cato@catocounsel.com.au
We know you love hens and eggs as much as we do. The health, safety and welfare of the hens always comes first at Sunny Queen. Like we do every day, our team and farmers are closely monitoring government and regulatory advice to support the wellbeing of the hens.
Sunny Queen eggs are laid by hens on farms across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. In response to the elevated avian influenza risk, voluntary housing orders issued by state Chief Veterinary Officers and other relevant advice, we have decided to temporarily house some free range hens inside barns on certain farms when this is in their best interests. This precaution helps protect their health and welfare by reducing potential exposure and maintaining strong flock health and hygiene measures. The hens will return to ranging when it is considered safe to do so.
You might be wondering what this means for the free range flocks that are being housed inside barns during this temporary period. They continue to have plenty of room inside barns and can roam freely while receiving the same high standard of care from farmers and animal care teams every day. The hens have access to fresh feed and clean water, comfortable nesting areas, perches, daily health and welfare monitoring and veterinary support and oversight.
There is currently no impact on production, egg quality or customer supply. The hens remain healthy and cared for.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recognised avian influenza outbreaks as an exceptional circumstance and has issued guidance acknowledging that free range producers may need to temporarily house hens. The ACCC has advised free range representations can continue for up to 90 days while a housing order or recommendation is in place. This approach recognises that temporary housing is a welfare and health measure.
Sunny Queen will continue to monitor government, veterinary and industry advice and provide updates to our suppliers and customers. For more information, read the ACCC guidance on free range claims during an avian influenza outbreak.
You can also find the latest industry updates from Australian Eggs:
For further information:
General: 1300 780 055 / info@sunnyqueen.com.au
Media: marketing@sunnyqueen.com.au