Written by Eva Osborne-Sherlock from Agriland
Egg producers and packers will no longer need to change how eggs are labelled during an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) under measures announced today by the government today (Tuesday, August 27).
Currently, 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.
After that period, egg producers must label these eggs as barn eggs.
In both 2021/22 and 2022/23, the 16-week derogation period was exceeded by six and seven weeks respectively, which led to significant costs for industry as egg packaging had to be changed to comply with legislation, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.
The amends to existing legislation, which will be introduced through a Statutory Instrument later this year, will mean that free-range eggs can continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures.
Defra said the move will cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence.
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, 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.
The UK has self-declared freedom from bird flu for Great Britain with effect from March 29, 2024. There are currently no outbreaks of bird flu in poultry or other captive birds in the UK.
However, the HN51 strain continues to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe so keepers are urged to remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.
Also Read: African swine fever simulation shows importance of record keeping – NPA
The post Egg producers no longer have to change labelling during bird flu outbreaks appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.
Continue reading on the Agriland Website...
Currently, 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.
After that period, egg producers must label these eggs as barn eggs.
In both 2021/22 and 2022/23, the 16-week derogation period was exceeded by six and seven weeks respectively, which led to significant costs for industry as egg packaging had to be changed to comply with legislation, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.
The amends to existing legislation, which will be introduced through a Statutory Instrument later this year, will mean that free-range eggs can continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures.
Defra said the move will cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence.
Egg sector
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, 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.
The UK has self-declared freedom from bird flu for Great Britain with effect from March 29, 2024. There are currently no outbreaks of bird flu in poultry or other captive birds in the UK.
However, the HN51 strain continues to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe so keepers are urged to remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.
Also Read: African swine fever simulation shows importance of record keeping – NPA
The post Egg producers no longer have to change labelling during bird flu outbreaks appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.
Continue reading on the Agriland Website...
