Changes to how eggs are labelled

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.

After that period, egg producers must label these eggs as barn eggs.

In both 2021/22 and 2022/23, the 16-week derogation period was exceeded by six and seven weeks respectively, which led to significant costs for industry as egg packaging had to be changed to comply with legislation, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

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.

Defra said the move will cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence.

Minister for food security and rural affairs, Daniel Zeichner, said: “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.”

The UK has self-declared freedom from bird flu for Great Britain with effect from March 29, 2024. There are currently no outbreaks of bird flu in poultry or other captive birds in the UK.

However, the HN51 strain continues to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe so keepers are urged to remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.