MEP demands heavy fines for illegal eggs

Scottish MEP Alyn Smith has lodged a “written declaration” in the European parliament, calling for “swift and effective infraction proceedings, with heavy and dissuasive fines” against member states which are producing illegal eggs after 1 January 2012.

The call comes in response to reports that, despite a 12-year phase-in period, many member states will not have completed the change-over from conventional to enriched cages by the deadline.

“Having had twelve years to get ready for this ban, it is inexcusable that we are getting so close to the deadline and still hearing reports that some member states will have severe difficulties complying,” said Mr Smith. “I simply do not accept this, and want the EU Commission to throw the book at them.

“If the commission does bottle it, then the UK government must be ready to implement a full ban on eggs and egg products produced illegally from 2012 and I have written to the London minister stressing this point.”

MEPs can use written declarations to launch or re-launch a debate on a subject within the EU’s remit. If it is signed by a majority of MEPs, it then becomes the official policy of the parliament and must be acted upon by the other EU institutions.

Mr Smith’s declaration also calls on Brussels to introduce an intra-community trade ban for all illegal eggs, and for an increase in the number of Food and Veterinary Office inspection missions in 2012.