By Free-range eggs to return as measures relaxed
Shoppers can again purchase free-range eggs after measures to control a bird flu outbreak were relaxed.
From Monday hens will be allowed back outside, the government lifted restrictions that were imposed last November requiring them to stay indoors.
It means free-range labelling can return to shelves, as since March, the eggs have been classified as “barn eggs” in supermarkets.
Free-range eggs come from hens that have unlimited outdoors access during the daytime.
According to the RSPCA about 55% of all eggs produced in the UK are free-range.
The UK has been facing its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said other precautions to protect flocks remain in force including enhanced cleansing and biosecurity measures.
In a joint statement, the four chief veterinary officers said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.
“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action.
“However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”
Chief executive of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, Robert Gooch said it was “really good news” that shoppers can once again purchase free-range eggs.
“But while it’s a relief to my members, lifting the housing order does not solve the crisis facing the egg sector,” he said.
“It will not remove the huge hikes in energy, transport, feed and labour costs they are experiencing. The picture is bleak.”
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Supermarkets source most of their food from the UK and know they need to pay a sustainable price to farmers but are constrained by how much additional cost they can pass onto consumers in this very difficult market.”
