Letters have been sent to 10 non-compliant countries in the EU that are failing to adhere to new legislation on the welfare of hens during egg production.
The EU has taken its next step in legal action against the countries that are not fully compliant with the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive, which aims to improve the welfare conditions of hens kept in cages. It came into full force on 1st January, yet Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal have been found to be not imposing the new rules.
“While this action has come too late to avoid massive disruption to the EU egg market, we welcome the steps the EU has taken to keep the pressure on these non-compliant countries,” said Elwyn Griffiths, chairman of the British Egg Products Association, which has welcomed the move by the EU.
“Their non-conformance undermines the entire industry – whenever you see cheap eggs or egg products, you inevitably question their provenance.”
Encouragingly, all eggs and egg products made with British eggs are compliant. BEPA has called on consumers to choose British eggs to ensure that they are humanely produced.
