Eggs from barns to be labelled ‘free range’ over bird flu fears

EGGS that are labelled free range could actually come from a barn under new government plans in response to repeated avian flu outbreaks.

Farmers will no longer have to relabel their produce as barn eggs if they are forced to keep them inside during an outbreak of bird flu, under plans the Government will consult on.

Under current rules, producers can keep labelling their eggs as free range for 16 weeks after they have been housed to stop the spread of the disease.

Producers say the cost of relabelling has added to cost pressures on the industry which have left shortages on some supermarket shelves, as farmers cut back on their hen numbers.

Some farmers have complained that supermarkets are not paying a fair price for their eggs, amid rising energy bills and the broader cost of living crisis, compounded by the impact of avian flu.

“We understand the pressures bird flu outbreaks place on our poultry and egg producers, which is why we continue to prioritise ways to support the industry during outbreaks of this disease,” said Mark Spencer, the farming minister.

There have been more than 360 cases of avian flu confirmed across Great Britain since late Oct 2021, leading to the culling or death of some 8.8 million birds. The disease has spread globally, with outbreaks becoming more deadly, and, in rare cases, infecting humans.

Last year, France began rolling out vaccines for ducks, a measure the UK Government has said could induce a false sense of security and lead to a relaxation of biosecurity and vigilance.

The Government is investigating the possible use of vaccines as a preventive measure, but says stamping out remains the most effective means of controlling an outbreak.

It said its new proposals on labelling eggs would cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers, and boost UK food security.

“The changes are essential to ensure a long-term future for British freerange eggs, which we know consumers want, and we strongly support the consultation,” said Gary Ford, the CEO of the British Egg Industry Council.