Get Ready for 2012

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

From 2012 it will become illegal in EU countries to produce eggs from conventional ‘battery’ cages and instead producers must convert to new enriched cages or alternative systems. The new enriched cages have significant animal welfare benefits, including more space, perches, a scratching area and a nest box.

While caterers and food manufacturers are using free-range eggs, caged eggs still account for more than 75% of eggs used in processed products.

Producers of British Lion eggs have committed to the new legislation but there are serious concerns that some other European countries may not meet the deadline.

The legislation is likely to have the biggest impact in the egg products market, where around one-third of eggs are imported.

We believe that some 100m laying hens across the EU will still be in conventional cages when the legislation comes into force and in order to guarantee they are using egg products which reach legal standards, food manufacturers should specify British Lion egg products.