Scotch eggs and sandwiches most at risk
Everyday food items, such as egg sandwiches, quiche and cakes, could contain illegal eggs when the conventional cage ban comes into force on 1 January 2012, according to the latest British Lion Egg Products market report.
The British Egg Industry Council estimates that 80 million laying hens are likely to remain in illegal battery cages in other EU countries next year and many companies which currently import egg products may face potential issues with the legality of their supply.
British Lion egg products processors have compiled a list of products they consider to be most at risk:
* Scotch eggs – currently using 60% imported egg
* Sandwiches – currently using 50% imported egg
* Quiches – currently using 30% imported egg
* Cakes and gateaux – currently using 30% imported egg
* Yorkshire pudding – currently using 20% imported egg
“There is likely to be a large supply of illegal imported egg products on the market when the cage ban comes into force,” said chairman of the British Lion egg processors, Clive Frampton. “Buyers need to be careful to ensure they’re getting exactly what they think they are. Even the most vigilant are at risk and it is highly likely that illegal egg products will find their way into everyday foods.
“It’s not just about legal compliance,” he added. “Already this year there have been food safety issues associated with imported eggs, with salmonella reported in Spanish eggs and dioxin-tainted liquid egg in products on the shelves of UK supermarkets and elsewhere in Europe.
“The solution is simple – British Lion egg products will be legally compliant and produced to the highest standards of food safety, so specify them now.”
The market report also reveals the market for British egg products in the first five months of 2011 has grown by 5% on the same period last year, while the UK’s reliance on imported egg products has declined by 10%.
“Continuing food safety concerns associated with imported eggs and egg products, and the impending cage ban, continue to boost the domestic egg products market,” it claimed.
There are now seven Lion egg products processors, including Fridays and Noble Foods, accounting for the production of about 75% of UK egg products.