The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has introduced new egg-labelling rules for free-range poultry affected by the avian influenza (bird flu) housing order.
Eggs originating from free-range flocks in the east of England (Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex) will need to be labelled as barn eggs from today (Wednesday, February 1).
For the rest of the country, this new labelling requirement will apply from February 27.
The introduction of the ‘barn egg’ label puts an end to the grace period given for free-range egg labelling following the mandatory housing measures that were introduced in October (regional) and November (national) 2022.
Defra granted this new labelling requirement, which will remain in place until the housing order is lifted, in recognition of the current elevated costs facing the industry.
“Farmers and poultry producers are facing real pressures as a result of this avian influenza outbreak,” said Farming Minister Mark Spencer.
“We hope the labelling concessions announced today will help ease the burden industry is facing.
“We are very mindful of the need to maintain consumer confidence in the free-range brand long-term and appreciate the continued cooperation from the sector as we battle this insidious disease,” he added.
New egg-labelling guide
Industry must put in place one of the requirements for marketing eggs laid on or after the expiry of the 16-week derogation below. These are, in order of preference:
- Eggs are to be sold in ‘barn egg’ boxes in order to clearly display the farming method of the eggs;
- Over-stickering ‘free-range’ boxes by placing a sticker over the ‘free-range’ text in order to obscure or interrupt it leaving the correct farming method (‘Barn Eggs’) easily visible and clearly legible to the consumer. The over-lay sticker must be of suitable material to be affixed to allow for good adhesion and to prevent any labels dislodging before sale to the final consumer;
- The use of direct print to pack or an affixed label on free-range boxes where the words ‘Barn Eggs’ are included in the ‘Best Before’ section for domestic sales. The words ‘Barn Eggs’ should be easily visible and clearly legible.
