The NFU has today expressed its disappointment that the Government has not been able to adopt stronger measures to protect egg producers from illegal eggs potentially entering the UK from next year.
British egg producers have invested £400million converting to enriched cages to comply with new European legislation coming into force on January 1 although some member states have admitted they will not be ready in time.
Farming minister Jim Paice announced today that the food industry in this country will have to reach a voluntary consensus that it won’t use eggs produced by hens in conventional cages although manufacturers will still be allowed to use the same eggs for its products.
NFU poultry board chairman Charles Bourns said: "We welcome the enforcement measures being taken by the Government but our members will certainly be bitterly disappointed that it has not been possible to take tougher action.
"We are concerned that although the Government has repeatedly pledged its support for the industry, it cannot prohibit the use of illegal egg products and food manufactured from such products. Although we are pleased to see the support of some UK retailers and food manufacturers on this, there are still a number of companies who have yet to make this commitment. Further to this, we would like to see retailers and food manufacturers showing their support for the whole of the British egg industry by offering a fair price for all legal eggs and egg products to recognise the investment that has been made in all production systems in readiness for January 1.
"The UK egg industry should not be disadvantaged for embracing new higher welfare systems and the Government’s announcement today is not what UK egg producers needed after they have invested so heavily and met the requirements of the law."
