Strict new guidelines for egg producers have come into force in California and Australian egg producers are watching the move with interest.
All eggs sold in California must now be produced by hens that have enough space to extend their limbs and turn around.
The new law, known as Proposition 2 in 2008, was introduced following a consumer push for larger battery cage sizes. Each hen must have around 748 square centimetres of space, almost double the average amount of space previously allotted.
According to an ABC Rural report, Australian producers, who are covered by a national code-of-practice which is currently being reviewed, are watching the changes in California with interest.
