Farming News - 50,000 Brits sign petition urging supermarkets to crack down on imported eggs
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50,000 Brits sign petition urging supermarkets to crack down on imported eggs
The petition is supported by MPs, including Labour's Ruth Jones, as well as celebrities and popular influencers like Myleene Klass and @HonestMumJade. The milestone follows the recent launch of a British Egg Industry Council manifesto for change, demanding food businesses drop dual standards on egg purchasing and back British eggs.
The petition was started in response to research showing that consumers were surprised and concerned that a significant number of eggs in pre-prepared foods, such as quiche, egg sandwiches and salads were imported. Those concerns remain, with recent research showing 82% want complete transparency about where eggs in their food comes from to make an informed purchasing decision.
Imported eggs and egg products are not produced to the same standards as the British Lion Code and therefore do not provide the same food safety assurances. Using imported eggs also adds unnecessary food miles.
New research shows that:
- 61% of shoppers are concerned about the quality of imported foods
- 66% of shoppers believe 100% British eggs should be used for prepared food containing egg
Morrisons stole a march on its competitors by introducing the Lion mark across its popular quiche range, highlighting that it uses quality, British eggs and supports UK's farmers. With 79%[3] of shoppers saying they would like to see a British Lion mark on egg-based foods, British Lion egg processors are calling on other retailers to follow their lead and give shoppers what they want.
In recent years there have been a number of food safety issues associated with eggs and egg products produced in Europe and further afield, with the issue becoming so prevalent that the Food Standards Agency had to issue an official warning about the risk of food poisoning in relation to Polish eggs.
Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, said: "Our farmers are among the best in the world and I would call on all our supermarkets, wherever possible, to champion their produce. Consumers deserve the choice to buy homegrown in the knowledge they are not just buying a product but supporting jobs and honouring our high animal welfare standards. British eggs are safe to eat and better than imported alternatives for the planet. It is high time we see that reflected on our supermarket shelves."
Mark Williams, British Egg Industry Council Chairman, said: "Reaching 50,000 signatures shows just how strongly people feel about their right to choose food that meets the highest food safety standards and supports British farmers.
"British Lion shell eggs are available in all major UK retailers and it's time that we see a similar commitment for British Lion egg products. Consumers deserve to be told clearly where the eggs in their foods are from, whether it's an egg sandwich, quiche or a scotch egg."
Shoppers can add their voice to the call for retailers to commit to British eggs for British-made food, and show they are not willing to accept lower standards, by signing the petition here: https://www.change.org/britisheggsforbritishfood