Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Tesco are among the supermarkets which could be hit by a government change to how eggs are labelled.
An amendment to the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations could see a change to what is meant by “free range” - with the term extended to hens that have been housed indoors, reports the Mirror.
The government announced on Wednesday that the changes could be on the way with Morrisons, Asda and Lidl customers also set to see a difference.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said that the changes could take effect from later this year.
This will specifically impact how eggs are labelled during an outbreak of avian influenza.
Here is what it all means.
What do labels mean?
Eggs can be produced from hens that have been reared organically, by free range methods, or have been kept in a barn or in a cage.
‘Free range’ essentially means that the animal has had a greater quality of life and has been in a more natural environment.
The term ‘free range’ is different for different animals but for hens, under EU law, they must have been outside for more than 12 weeks in their lifetime.
They must also be kept in an environment that meets a minimum amount of space and provides access to water.
Where can labels be found?
Labels are on egg boxes as well as the eggs themselves.
According to the British Hen Welfare Trust, since 2004, EU regulation has stated that all eggs sold must have a code to identify how the hens were kept.
This will state whether the eggs are:
0. Organic
1. Free range
2. Barn
3. Cage
Eggs are also stamped with their country of origin, farm ID and a best before date.
An additional mark can be found on an egg if it meets the ‘Lion Quality’ benchmark of a hen’s vaccination against Salmonella.
What are the current rules?
The proposed changes are all to do with avian influenza.
The government currently states that 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 - the existing ‘derogation’ period under the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations.
After that period, these eggs must then be labelled as barn eggs.
What are the new rules?
Under proposals, egg producers and packers will no longer need to change how eggs are labelled during an outbreak of avian influenza.
It means that eggs that are from free-range hens kept in barns due to an influenza outbreak will continue to be marketed as free range.
Daniel Zeichner, minister for food security and rural affairs 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 by introducing a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security alongside nature’s recovery.”
According to Yahoo, Defra has added: “The move will cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening the supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence."
