Free-range egg producers must continue to house flocks beyond 21 March to protect them against avian influenza, Defra has announced.

For free-range producers this will mean they will need to market their eggs as barn eggs, as the birds will have been kept inside for more than 16 weeks.

A fixed 16-week ‘grace period’ exists, allowing eggs produced from housed birds to be branded as free-range, however, from 21 March this will expire.

From 21 March, egg producers will be required to ensure that eggs are stamped with the appropriate code to show that the farming method has changed from ‘free-range’ or 1UK to ‘barn’ production or 2UK, until the mandatory housing requirement is lifted.

It is hoped that it will be a short-lived arrangement, with the risk of bird flu likely to decrease as migratory birds return to summer breeding grounds.

BEIC chief executive Mark Williams said the regulations would have to be considered if avian influenza continued to present a challenge each winter.

Labelling

A labelling and marketing protocol, devised by the British Egg Industry Council and the British Retail Consortium, has been approved by Defra.

• Consumer information explaining the relabelling will be provided at the point of sale and via social media and web-based communication

• Egg stamping with the number “2” indicating “from barn systems” will take place at packing centres, rather than on individual farms

• In recognition of the challenges of Covid-19 and supply chain issues facing the industry free-range egg packs can continue to be used, but the words “barn eggs” must be shown on pack, either via direct print or sticker.

The move for packers to stamp Lion eggs was approved to avoid free-range egg farmers having to bear the cost of purchasing new print heads.

If you would like further information on the housing order or free range egg farming, please speak to a member of our team by email on enquiries@hfandp.co.uk or call us on 01962 764555.