If the Easter bunny brings colorful eggs this year, he should not only dig deeper into his wallet, but also pay attention to the origin. Because there can also be a lot of animal suffering in the Nesterl.
Painted eggs, ham and of course sweet chocolate bunnies are just part of Easter. But in many cases these are produced under questionable conditions. The Easter bunny should definitely be looked at closely while shopping. For example, keeping chickens in cages has been banned in Austria since 2020.
Import from abroad is not allowed
But import from abroad is still allowed. But thanks to an agreement between all retail chains, such eggs are no longer sold. This is different in gastronomy or food processing.
“Beautiful on the outside, but ugly on the inside”
The trained Austrian therefore knows that an egg bought here has been laid by happy chickens. But especially at Easter, the motto “outside hui, inside pfui” really comes into its own. Because once an egg is boiled and dyed, the principles of animal welfare are thrown overboard. With “processed products”, cage eggs are not only allowed, there is also no obligation to label them – as is the case with raw eggs, where each piece must be stamped (company number).
Chains voluntarily rely on labeling
Teresa Bauer of the Consumer Education Association knows: “Many manufacturers now voluntarily indicate the type of farm and country of origin, also as a selling point. You should keep your hands off eggs without information, especially if they are particularly cheap. At markets and stands, consumers can often only trust what the sellers say.”
The domestic meat industry is also under great cost pressure. According to research by a regional supermarket, this is reflected in the storage conditions. Market boss Theresa Imre: “Easter meat is a scant thing for the suffering of the animals. In 2010, exactly 57.7 percent of all pigs were kept on a full schedule, in 2020 that was 68.7 percent.”
Austrians spend 850 million euros on chocolate every year
The Easter bunny is almost more popular than the Easter eggs – especially when it shows off its chocolate side. Austria spends 850 million euros on chocolate every year. Where does that money go, that is the question.
Because sometimes people and the environment suffer for cocoa and sugar. Working conditions in cocoa farming are often poor and children are even employed. VKI expert Bauer: “Consumers should pay attention to the Fairtrade quality mark and not use palm oil.”
The shopping guide gives an overview of the livestock seals www.tieranwalt.at
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
