The printed labels of eggs should have extra information added to them to detail the carbon footprint of the products.
This is according to the Australian Egg Corporation (AEC), which carried out a study and found that caged hens produce fewer greenhouse gases than those able to run free, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Hens able to roam produced 20 per cent more emissions than their caged counterparts, something that was attributed to them eating more per kilogram of eggs produced.
AEC managing director James Kellaway said this should be acknowledged on printed labels so that consumers are able to make informed choices.
"The egg industry would be very happy to consider adding the environmental footprint or greenhouse gas emission status on egg labels," he added.
Many products in the UK already feature information about carbon emissions following a project begun in 2007 by Planet Ark and the Carbon Trust.
However, for ethical reasons, it may be that shoppers continue to choose free-range eggs despite peelable labels saying they produce more carbon dioxide.
Denny Bros Ltd, 20 December 2011
