Proposed Changes to Egg Labeling Rules to Boost British Industry
In a move to support British farmers, the Government announced on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, that producers will no longer be required to change egg labels during outbreaks of avian influenza.
Under current regulations, eggs from free-range hens can be labelled as ‘free-range’ for a maximum of 16 weeks when mandatory housing measures are implemented due to avian influenza. After this period, these eggs must be relabelled as barn eggs. However, the new proposals for England and Scotland, which are subject to an eight-week consultation process, aim to eliminate this derogation period, allowing free-range eggs to retain their designation throughout mandatory housing measures.
This change is intended to reduce burdensome regulations and costs for British egg producers while also enhancing supply chains and contributing to the Government’s goal of ensuring that at least 60% of food consumed in the UK is locally produced.
The threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has become increasingly global, with an unprecedented number of outbreaks reported across the UK and Europe, exceeding 360 confirmed cases in Great Britain since late October 2021.
In both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, the 16-week limit on the derogation period was surpassed, resulting in significant financial burdens on the industry as producers were forced to repackage their eggs in compliance with the law.
Farming Minister Spencer stated:
“We recognize the challenges posed by bird flu outbreaks to our poultry and egg producers, which is why we are committed to finding ways to support the industry during these difficult times. I urge all stakeholders to participate in this consultation to help ensure the future prosperity of our free-range sector.”
Gary Ford, Chief Executive of the British Egg Industry Council, commented:
“Given that the majority of eggs in the UK meet free-range standards, this sector holds significant importance for both consumers and farmers. The British Egg Industry Council has advocated for changes to egg marketing laws to enable our free-range farmers to remain competitive and continue supplying British consumers with free-range eggs. In light of the rising incidents of avian influenza, these adjustments are crucial for securing the long-term future of British free-range eggs, which are in high demand among consumers. We fully support this consultation process.”
Robert Gooch, Chief Executive of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, expressed:
“The British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) is pleased to see that producers can protect their hens from avian flu by adhering to government housing requirements without needing to relabel their eggs. This change would also align UK free-range egg marketing rules with those in the European Union, ensuring that British farmers can compete on equal footing with their European counterparts.”
The consultation initiated today (January 9, 2024) will be open for feedback until March 5, 2024.
For more details about the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, check out our latest situation page.
Elena Rossi is a graduate of the University of Hohenheim in Germany, where she earned her degree in Agricultural Economics. Her coursework centered on farm management, agricultural policy, and rural development. Elena is dedicated to enhancing the economic viability of small farms and works as a policy analyst, advising on agricultural economics and food security issues in Europe.