Shell Shocked report reveals growing threat of imported eggs

Pressure is growing on the UK government to tighten controls on imported eggs, as industry leaders raise concerns over food safety, animal welfare and the future of domestic production.

A new report, Shell Shocked, from the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), highlights what it describes as gaps in border inspections that are allowing lower-standard eggs to enter the UK market.

The findings have prompted calls for urgent action to safeguard both consumers and UK producers.

See also: Egg industry criticises low-quality, tariff-free imports from Ukraine

According to the report, egg imports have risen sharply in recent years, increasing by 60% since 2021 to around 1.6bn eggs annually.

BEIC chief executive Nick Allen said: “Allowing lower standard imports to undercut UK egg producers risks undermining consumer safety, public confidence in eggs and the resilience of our domestic food supply.”

Much of this growth is linked to imports from Ukraine, where exports to the UK rose by 66% in 2025.

Many of these eggs, the report highlights, are produced in conventional battery cages, a system banned in the UK since 2012.

For UK farmers – who operate under stricter welfare and food safety rules – the influx is creating significant pressure, according to industry leaders.

Gary Ford, head of strategy at the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, added: “Fair competition is one thing, but this trade is fundamentally wrong.

“It undermines our farmers and rewards production systems that would be illegal here in the UK.”

Mr Ford added that the government must recognise the seriousness of the situation.

“All of this comes at a time when global events are reminding us just how fragile and vulnerable international supply chains can be,” he said.

Food safety concerns

The BEIC is urging retailers, manufacturers and food service businesses to review sourcing policies and improve traceability to ensure imported products meet UK expectations.

Food safety concerns are central, with the report highlighting egg-related incidents across Europe:

• 123 UK illnesses in late 2025 from a single imported egg distributor
• Salmonella investigations in Sweden linked to Ukrainian imports
• Over 200 UK cases in 2024 tied to imported Polish eggs.

By comparison, more than 90% of UK eggs are produced under the British Lion Code of Practice, which includes vaccination against salmonella and higher welfare standards.

Environmental health practitioner Lisa Ackerley, who reviewed import controls, said: “Most consignments are not physically inspected, testing is risk-triggered rather than systematic, and sampling frequencies are not publicly disclosed.”

She warned that contamination may only be detected after products have already entered the supply chain.

“It is also worth noting that British Lion eggs are Food Standards Agency approved for vulnerable groups to consume runny, while imports are not. That is a serious food safety risk for imports.”