MANUFACTURERS URGED NOT TO GET EGG ON THEIR FACE

Food manufacturers are being urged to ‘Look for the Lion’ to ensure they are not caught out by impending legislation in the egg industry.

From 2012, it will be become illegal in EU countries to produce eggs from traditional ‘battery’ cages.  Instead producers must convert to new enriched cages, which have significant animal welfare benefits over battery cages, including more space, perches, a scratching area and nest boxes.

Although free range eggs have grown their share of the UK egg market and are being specified by an increasing number of caterers and food manufacturers, caged eggs still account for more than 75% of eggs used in processed products.

While producers of British Lion eggs have committed that any caged eggs sold after 1 January 2012 will come from enriched cages, there are serious concerns that many other European countries may not be able to meet the deadline.

The change in legislation is likely to have the biggest impact in the egg products sector, where around one-third of eggs are imported.  British Lion egg products spokesman, Ian Jones, said: “We believe that some 100m laying hens across Europe will still be in conventional cages when the legislation comes into force.

“In order to ensure that they are using egg products which reach the required legal and animal welfare standards, food manufacturers should specify British Lion egg products.  We guarantee that all Lion caged eggs will come from the more welfare friendly enriched cages from 1 January 2012.  In addition, the UK has the largest free range flock in Europe so British Lion free range eggs will also be available.

“Not only will this guarantee higher welfare standards, but manufacturers will also have the added reassurance of egg products produced to the exacting standards of the Lion Code.”

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 For further information please contact the British Egg Information Service on 020 7052 8899