OPINION
10 Obiter Dicta
Labels Without Legal Meanings
The truth behind “free-range” farms
amy mintah › contributor
W
ith incr e a sed awa r en ess of the
inhumane practices occurring at factory farms, more and more people are
opting for meat from free-range or
cage-free farms. However, as Dr. Charles Olentine –
editor of Egg Industry magazine–articulated, “just
because it says free-range does not mean that it is
welfare-friendly.” Contrary to what many believe,
free-range or cage-free farms are remarkably similar
to factory farms. Labels such as “free-range,” “cagefree,” “free-run” and “natural” have yet to be legally
defined in Canada. There are currently no laws or regulations in Ontario ind