Foodservice: prepare for EU egg legislation changes

Almost half (46%) of foodservice companies are unaware of the implications of major EU legislative changes in egg production, which could result in their products being banned.

Research by eggs products company British Lion found that just one in four egg buyers surveyed knew about the imminent ban on traditional battery cages, which will come into force in less than a year.

The EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive makes it illegal to produce eggs from conventional battery cages after 31 December this year.

British Lion has already converted many of its cage production units to animal welfare-friendly cages.

However, there is concern that not all producers will meet the deadline and the Government has said it will seek to ban any products that do not comply.

British Lion is backing a new campaign called The Clock is Ticking that will be launched this year to remind egg and egg products suppliers that they must make the changes.

President of the National Farmers Union Peter Kendall said: "The UK egg industry showcases some of the highest animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental standards in the world. It is ludicrous that UK egg producers could be put at a commercial disadvantage by complying with European legislation and by providing laying hens with a much higher standard of animal welfare, when it appears others will not."

Clive Frampton, spokesman for British Lion Egg Processors, added: "The British industry has a simple message: don't be left with egg on your face — British Lion eggs and egg products will be compliant, so specify them now."