NFU publishes ‘good egg’ list

The NFU’s list of food companies and retailers that have committed to sourcing eggs and products from higher-welfare systems only – and those that have not – has now been published.

The list has been drawn up following the introduction of the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive on 1 January 2012, which outlaws the use of conventional cages throughout the EU.

But many member states have failed to convert to the new enriched cage systems and there is a fear these illegal eggs will end up on the UK market – either as shell eggs, but more likely in processed products – undercutting domestic producers.

The NFU and DEFRA have contacted some the country’s leading supermarkets, food processors and manufacturers to find out what their sourcing policy is with regards to eggs.

• See the full list on the NFU website.