Consumers should probe deeper into facts of 'free range' labelling of eggs

Here, in the Borders, there are plans for the largest free-range egg production unit in the world. Concerns over this development have prompted the local community to research egg-laying hens and the modern, cost-effective systems that will be employed.

The proposed multi-tier system means hens will be housed in sheds housing 32,000 birds, as two flocks of 16,000 birds. Are these large flock sizes in the spirit of free-range? Could such developments kill-off the free-range egg producer with the smaller flock sizes the public identify with? Although provided with ranges in which they are free to forage, the hens are fed, watered, and encouraged to lay indoors, where their activities can be controlled. The numbers of birds that venture to the outside are, by our reckoning, only a tiny minority. Is this what shoppers expect when they pay a premium for such eggs? We think not.

For their part, the authorities responsible for public health have a duty to assess the risk which these massive units pose. The development of these super-farms should surely be raised as issues for national debate.

VIV THOMSON Secretary, BlythBank Action Group West Linton Peeblesshire

I hope readers will not be put off buying free-range eggs following the mislabelling allegations. Although sales of free-range eggs are constantly increasing, most eggs sold sadly still come from hens kept in battery cages.

These are due to be phased out of the European Union by 2012, but so-called "enriched" battery cages, which will still be allowed, are little better. We believe the Scottish Executive should also outlaw these cages.

Consumers can affect the way hens are treated by refusing to buy eggs from caged hens or products containing eggs from caged hens.

ROSS MINETT Director, Advocates for Animals Queensferry Street Edinburgh