Shoppers buying eggs at supermarkets issued warning

A significant shake-up in egg labelling laws is set to hit major supermarkets following a government directive.

Ethically-minded shoppers may find themselves concerned by new packaging rules for egg boxes that will obscure the fact that “free range” hens are sometimes housed indoors. Today, the government has declared an amendment to the legislation governing how eggs are labelled by producers and packers.

With the enactment of the new law later this year, egg suppliers will no longer be required to alter their packaging to indicate when free range hens are placed into ‘hen lockdown’ within barns during avian influenza outbreaks. During bird flu incidents, even hens that are normally free range are relocated to barns and cages to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

The government stated: “Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced to protect birds from the spread of disease, eggs from free-range birds can only continue to be labelled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks after the housing order has come into effect – the existing ‘derogation’ period under the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations. After that period, these eggs must then be labelled as barn eggs.”

The 16-week limit for keeping hens indoors before egg products must be re-labelled is being ditched following instances where the rule caused “which led to significant costs for the industry” because all labels and packaging required changes when hens stayed inside longer than 16 weeks during 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Defra announced: “The amends to existing legislation, which will be introduced through a Statutory Instrument later this year, will mean that free-range eggs can continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures. The move will cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence.”

However, it indicates that ethically minded consumers won’t be able to discern if chickens have been caged despite ‘free range’ labelling, even though the decision is made to protect the chickens from avian flu.

Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner commented: “We understand the pressures facing the egg producing sector and the crippling impact that avian influenza outbreaks can have on their businesses. Removing the need to change labels on eggs and packaging will help them keep costs down and remain competitive. This Government will restore stability and confidence in the sector introducing a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security alongside nature’s recovery.”