The UK Government has introduced proposals aimed at modifying egg labeling rules to provide support to British farmers in the event of avian influenza outbreaks. The suggested changes, disclosed on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, eliminate the necessity for producers to modify egg labels during mandatory housing orders, effectively preventing costly labeling adjustments.
Presently, eggs from free-range birds may still be labeled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks during mandatory housing measures, as per the existing ‘derogation’ period specified in the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations. Following this period, these eggs must be rebranded as barn eggs.
The proposed amendments for England and Scotland, subject to an eight-week consultation, intend to remove the ‘derogation’ period. This change would permit free-range eggs to maintain their labeling throughout mandatory housing measures, with the goal of streamlining bureaucratic processes and reducing expenses for British producers. Additionally, the proposals aim to fortify supply chains and contribute to the government’s commitment to domestically produce at least 60% of consumed food.
The context for these proposed changes is the global threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Unprecedented outbreaks have occurred in the UK and Europe, with over 360 confirmed cases across Great Britain since late October 2021.
In both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 periods, the 16-week derogation period was exceeded, resulting in substantial costs for the industry as compliance with legislation necessitated changes to egg packaging.
Farming Minister Spencer emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the poultry and egg industry during disease outbreaks. He encouraged all stakeholders to participate in the eight-week consultation to ensure the continued prosperity of the free-range industry. Spencer stated, “We understand the pressures bird flu outbreaks place on our poultry and egg producers, which is why we continue to prioritize ways to support the industry during outbreaks of this disease. I encourage all those with an interest to take part in this consultation to ensure that our free-range industry continues to thrive in years to come.”
Gary Ford, Chief Executive of the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), underscored the significance of the proposed changes. Ford asserted, “With the vast majority of eggs produced in the UK meeting free-range standards, the sector is very important to both British consumers and farmers. BEIC has been calling for an amendment to the egg marketing legislation to ensure that our free-range egg farmers can remain competitive and continue to provide British consumers with free-range eggs. This has become increasingly important due to the unprecedented levels of Avian influenza in recent years. The changes are essential to ensure a long-term future for British free-range eggs, which we know consumers want, and we strongly support the consultation.”
Robert Gooch, Chief Executive of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA), expressed delight at the prospect of producers being able to protect their hens without the need to relabel eggs during government-mandated housing. He noted that aligning free-range egg marketing rules with the European Union would ensure a level playing field for British producers. Gooch stated, “The British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) is delighted that producers should be able to protect their hens from the risk of bird flu by housing their hens in accordance with Government requirements without having to relabel their eggs, as a result of this consultation. It would also align the free range egg marketing rules with the European Union, which is important as it means that British producers will be on a level playing field with European farmers.”
The public consultation on these proposals, launched on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, will remain open for eight weeks until March 5, 2024.