Following our initial statement we are now able to provide more information on the outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) affecting Europe and more specifics regarding labelling of Free Range Products after February 28th 2017.
General information on AI can be found at the links below:
[UK] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza… (England)
[UK] http://news.gov.scot/news/avian-influenza-6 (Scotland)
[UK] http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/ahw… (Wales)
As of 1st March 2017, Free Range eggs supplied to us may contain eggs from temporarily housed flocks and will therefore be classed as Barn Eggs. Legally, this means we will not be able to make a Free Range claim to any of our products produced from 1st March 2017. Any products supplied before this date can be declared as Free Range.
As of March 1st 2017, all of our Free Range products will carry a second label as shown below*
(*Retail egg packs, 100g & 45g, will carry a smaller sticker reading ‘Barn Eggs’)
There will be no other changes to existing packaging or labels, regardless of whether the hens remain housed or allowed access to external areas.
- Animal Welfare is paramount – As Avian Influenza does not pose a public health risk, the focus should remain on the welfare of Free Range hens to minimise the risk of spread. It is also important the producers who keep them are not pressured into releasing them outside too early hence compromising the spread of AI.
- Consumer Awareness – By adding an additional label to our products, it allows us to make our customers aware of the reasoning behind the housing of the birds, even at the point of use whilst continuing to provide a supply of egg products which have been produced using ‘Free Range’ eggs.
It is important to remember ‘Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk for UK consumers’.
See FSA advice on Avian Influenza here
Should you have any questions or queries regarding this issue, please contact Sagar or Pankaj on (0116) 2742822 or alternatively use the email addresses below:
Sagar Pancholi – sagar@justegg.co.uk
Pankaj Pancholi – pankaj@justegg.co.uk
