Germany and Netherlands first countries to downgrade eggs from free range to barn

To protect consumer confidence after the 12-week period free range poultry must then be relabelled
To protect consumer confidence after the 12-week period free range poultry must then be relabelled

Germany and the Netherlands are the first two countries to downgrade eggs from free range to barn, costing the industry millions of pounds in income and re-labelling costs.

Bird Flu (AI) has been prevalent this year with hundreds of cases reported in poultry throughout the EU.

To control the spread of avian influenza, most European countries have ordered poultry to be kept indoors.

EU regulations state that free range poultry kept indoors under Government controls can keep their free-range status for a maximum of 12 weeks.

To protect consumer confidence after the 12-week period free range poultry must then be relabelled.

Eggs would automatically be downgraded to barn with packaging changed to reflect the change of status.

The Netherlands and Germany housed their birds earlier than other EU countries, therefore their 12-week period has ended sooner. Efforts to lobby the EU to extend the 12-week period were not successful.

Enhanced bio-security controls

The UK ends the 12-week derogation on the 28th February, although discussions are now taking place with the industry and Defra to allow farmers to exit the housing element of the AI Prevention Order before the 28th February deadline.

Industry proposals suggest farmers would instigate enhanced bio-security controls to avoid free range from being downgraded, but it is unsure what these measures would entail as most producers already have in place strict bio-security controls.

In the event of eggs being downgraded all references to free range must be taken off the packaging.

One solution suggested was to place a sticker on the boxes over references to free range.

Egg Producers could expect to receive approximately 66 pence per dozen for barn eggs as opposed to the current rate average of 88 pence a dozen.

When the Government allows farmers to exit the housing order eggs will regain their premium free range status.

Avian Influenza cases are still being reported throughout the EU with the latest case in a wild swan in Northern Ireland.

EU Member State expiry date of 12 week housing period

The Netherlands and Germany – 1st February

Denmark and Hungary – 7th February

France – 8th February

Sweden – 13th February

Finland – 22nd February

England, Scotland, and Wales – 28th February

Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland – 17th March