Storm in a teacup. If the only negative reaction is that producers who misuse the term 'free to roam' are now restricted from using it or choose not to comply to the conditions that would allow them to continue, what is the problem?

The fact is consumers who wish to buy 'free to roam' or free-range can do so knowing they are not being duped (well at least not as much as before with tighter guidelines).

It is the same with misusing other labelling catch-phrases relating to Australian content/ownership, origin of food, preservatives, colourings, organic etc.

Changes by the ACCC may not improve conditions for chooks but it will ensure consumers can make choices according to their own tastes, beliefs and ideals. You may not agree with them, but it is something that modern societies have accepted as a right. If the perception is that it is only radical vegetarians that will care, why all the concern? Truth in advertising is not something to scoff at.

...Truth in advertising is of primary importance, but I thought the point of the article was just that; it highlights the difficulty of producers to retain credibility to a brand of "free range" under such complexity of definition. He does hasten to add though that no insinuation is cast on the honesty of producers to conform to the task.

...Clarification on this issue can only be good, not only for the consumer but the producer in particular!

RSPCA set the guidelines.

With PM Brown at the helm I don't expect a commonsense approach.

This is rubbish the ACCC are typical Public Service Planks! Last time I asked they would not investigate any fraud under a million dollars claiming they did not have the staff when they have the time and people to slop about in this nonsense.
They should sack the CEO or whatever the idiot is called and half the staff and tell the rest to concentrate on Coles and Woolies and insist on results.

JBower:

...Agree totally on your opinion of Coles and Woolworths. (Should say, Wesfarmers and Woolworths): Both outrageous organisations built on a platform of rorts and rip-offs: Too big to fail, with a cynical customer service delivery designed for their own convenience and geared to assist their organizations to bury even deeper, exposed rip-offs unearthed by insignificant customers and suppliers exposing naivety, by anticipating honest outcomes.