The consumer watchdog will be closely monitoring food label claims this year, with a particular emphasis on 'free range' and place of origin information.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chairman Rod Sims says his agency is interested in claims made by premium producers that consumers can't test or validate.
"We have already been working on these matters with actions in relation to a number of 'free-range' claims," he told a business function in Sydney.
"We have tackled alleged misrepresentations in the labelling of extra virgin olive oil and taken on country or region of origin claims from sheepskins to meat."
Animal lobby group the Humane Society International said the ACCC focus on labelling would be a win for consumers, farmers — and hens.
"If you label any egg 'free range' and it's produced in a system stocking more than 1500 birds per hectare, then you are clearly misleading your customers," chief operating officer Lee McCosker said.
The ACCC is also considering other consumer problem areas, such as fake testimonials on online group buying sites, door-to-door sales by energy spruikers, unfair terms in contracts for telecommunications, airlines, hire car and online trading services.
