Retailers commit to legal eggs

British retailers have pledged that, from 1 January 2012, they will only be using eggs that comply with the new EU welfare standards, both in the boxes on their shelves and in their own-label food products.

“Major food retailers have already been carrying out detailed checks on their own supply chains so they can give British consumers a guarantee about the eggs they sell or use as ingredients,” said a statement from the British Retail Consortium.

Food director Andrew Opie said UK egg producers had worked hard to meet high welfare standards ahead of parts of Europe.

“Retailers won’t compromise on welfare standards,” he said. “We are pleased to be able to offer shoppers and British egg producers a guarantee that lower-welfare eggs will not be bought by UK supermarkets or used as ingredients in their own products. The challenge is for all other parts of the food sector to do likewise.”

Virtually 100% of boxed eggs sold in British supermarkets are from the UK. Waitrose, the Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons no longer supply cage eggs, though Tesco and ASDA are committed to continuing to provide this option.