Free-range eggs can stay labelled as such throughout mandatory bird flu housing measures under new proposals set out by the UK government today (Tuesday, January 9).
The proposals for England and Scotland, subject to an eight week consultation running until March 5, would see producers no longer obligated to change how eggs are labelled during an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu).
Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced, eggs from free-range birds may continue to be labelled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks – the existing derogation period.
After the 16 weeks, these eggs must then be labelled as barn eggs.
The UK government said the proposals aim to cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chains.
More than 360 cases of bird flu have been confirmed since October 2021 in Great Britain’s largest ever outbreak of the disease.
In both 2021/22 and 2022/23 the 16-week derogation period was exceeded, which led to “significant costs” for industry as egg packaging had to be changed to comply with the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations, the government said.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:
“We understand the pressures bird flu outbreaks place on our poultry and egg producers, which is why we continue to prioritise ways to support the industry during outbreaks of this disease.
“I encourage all those with an interest to take part in this consultation to ensure that our free-range industry continues to thrive in years to come.”
Free-range eggs
Chief executive of the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), Gary Ford, said: “With the vast majority of eggs produced in the UK meeting free-range standards, the sector is very important to both British consumers and farmers.
“BEIC has been calling for an amendment to the egg marketing legislation to ensure that our free-range egg farmers can remain competitive and continue to provide British consumers with free-range eggs.
“This has become increasingly important due to the unprecedented levels of avian influenza in recent years.”
Ford said the changes are essential to ensure a long-term future for British free-range eggs.
Chief executive of British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA), Robert Gooch said: “The British Free Range Egg Producers Association is delighted that producers should be able to protect their hens from the risk of bird flu by housing their hens in accordance with government requirements without having to relabel their eggs, as a result of this consultation.
“It would also align the free range egg marketing rules with the European Union, which is important as it means that British producers will be on a level playing field with European farmers.”
