Video: Shoppers speak out on imported egg ingredients in foods
© Tim Scrivener A petition has been launched to urge supermarkets to use British eggs for foods made in Britain and stop importing eggs after shoppers spoke out against the practice.
British Lion egg processors say retailers are misleading their customers over labelling and they want them to ditch imported eggs and commit to using British eggs for own-label foods that are produced in Britain.
Research shows that supermarkets are continuing to use imported eggs in pre-prepared foods, such as quiche, egg sandwiches and salads, that do not meet the same safety standards as British Lion eggs.
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Consumers are being urged to show they are not willing to accept lower standards by signing a petition calling on retailers to ditch imported eggs and label foods made with egg more clearly.
Andrew Joret, British Egg Industry Council chairman, said: “British shoppers deserve to eat foods made with egg that meets the highest food safety standards.
“They also have the right to be told where the eggs in the food they buy come from, so they are free to make informed purchasing decisions.
“For retailers, it’s a win-win – the Lion food safety standards offer unparalleled peace of mind, and they are making customers happy.”
A survey of 3,000 shoppers last year found that two-thirds were disappointed to discover that the egg in certain food they buy is not British – and 75% said they would be more likely to purchase a product if the packaging featured the British Lion.
Safety issues
In recent years, there have been a number of food safety issues associated with egg products produced in Europe and further afield.
Use of imported eggs also adds unnecessary food miles and does not guarantee the high standards set out in the Code of Practice for the Production of Lion Quality Egg Products.
Mr Joret said the petition was a perfect opportunity for consumers to tell major retailers they are not willing to accept lower standards when it comes to the use of egg in prepared foods.
He also urged colleagues in the farming industry to sign the petition and share it widely on social media.