Australia has announced a plan to ban caged eggs by 2036.
It's hoped shoppers will no longer be confronted with the option to buy eggs from battery hens within 15 years but the decision has sparked a range of opinions.
The Australian government has been 'forced' to introduce the new standards for poultry, according to the ABC, after new standards were drafted by an independent panel.
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The panel suggested phasing caged eggs out between 2032 to 2036.
These standards were released thanks to Greens senator Dr Mehreen Faruqi, who launched a special motion in the Senate to have the details made public.
She said: "This process has been going on in some form or another since 2013 so there has been plenty of time for the industry to change their practices. It's really time for some action. Countries around the world have already ended or phased out cages.
"I'm certainly not convinced the industry needs up to 15 years to transition away from battery cages, it can and it should happen faster.
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"We know the vast majority of people have been really concerned about hens being kept in such cruel and inhumane conditions."
Animal welfare organisations are also questioning why it should take a decade and a half to introduce such a measure, while conversely the poultry industry was hoping the ban wouldn't be brought in until 2046.
RSPCA senior policy officer Jed Goodfellow said in a statement that Australia is a laughing stock compared to other OECD countries who banned battery hens years ago.
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"Australia really is lagging behind at the moment so it is pleasing to see we're seeing some progress finally," he said.
"It is impossible to meet the welfare needs of hens inside these cage systems.We would like to see the transition timeline shortened considerably. Ten to 15 years is far too long.
"We can produce safe, affordable, nutritious eggs without confining animals to small, barren cages."
But this decision to ban the often far cheaper caged eggs will mean prices for things like pastries and bacon and egg rolls could increase.
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While there are loads of shoppers who wouldn't dream of picking caged at the supermarket, some bakeries and food suppliers opt for them because they're cheaper en masse.
According to the ABC, major brands like McDonald's can afford to pay for free-range eggs, but the lower level cafe or restaurant might have to jack up the price to accomodate the ban.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Australia