The egg industry in England and the wider UK is perhaps the most advanced livestock sector in terms of self reliance, independence from Government intervention, supply chain integration and marketing of products. It has adopted the latest technology and working practices, having responded to the call of successive governments who encouraged the private sector to improve efficiency (by reducing costs and adding value by innovation).

The UK egg industry has strong and professional representative bodies whose principal function is to represent the interests of its Members in discussions with Government, MPs, the European Commission, European Parliament, and other bodies: the principal one being the British Egg Industry Council.

There are a few specialist trade associations which includes The British Free Range Producers Association (BFREPA) and the United Kingdom Egg Producers Association (UKEPRA) that represent a lot of the smaller independent egg producers.

Key facts and figures

The UK is the 6^th largest egg producer in the EU and is home to 33 million laying hens. The UK is 82% self sufficient in eggs and egg products. The UK table egg industry is estimated to be worth £561m. In 2010, the volume of egg production for human consumption was 826 million dozen from the following farming methods: 50% cages; 42% free range and 8.3% (barn and organic).

Further statistical data:

• The latest Defra statistics notice for UK egg packing station throughput and prices, UK egg processing and UK egg trade
• Food and farming statistics

Legislation

UK Legislation on marketing standards for eggs

The Eggs and Chicks(England) Regulations 2009 came into force 14 September 2009 and transpose Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/07, Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 617/2008 in England.

The Regulations make provision for the enforcement in England of EC marketing standards relating to eggs for hatching and farmyard poultry chicks and eggs in shell for human consumption. They also expand the scope of the current legislative controls on eggs marketing to include new Salmonella-related controls on the use of eggs intended for human consumption, in accordance with the requirements of the Salmonella National Control Programme (NCP) for laying hens. This will enable the obligations which the NCP places on the operators of laying flocks to be enforced at the marketing stage. The Salmonella National Control Plan was developed to reduce prevalence of Salmonella in eggs across the EU and was established into UK law in 2008.

European legislation

The EU regulatory provisions which apply to the marketing of eggs for consumption and eggs for hatching and farmyard poultry chicks are contained in Council Regulation(EC) No.1234/2007 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 (eggs for consumption) and Commission Regulation (EC) No 617/2008 (eggs for hatching and chicks). These regulations cover:

• quality and weight grading
• marking
• packaging
• storage
• transport
• labeling for retail sale

Background

Egg production systems

There are four main types of production systems – Cage, Barn, Free Range and Organic. All EU requirements for the cage, barn and free range systems can be found in Council Directive 1999/74/EC which lays down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens; Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 and The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007.

From 1 January 2012, laying hens cannot be kept in conventional cages. The UK have been fully committed to the ban and protecting the UK industry from any possible non-compliance elsewhere in Europe.

The minimum requirements for organic farming in the UK are set out in the Compendium of UK Organic Standards. In very brief terms housing conditions for organic animals must meet the animals behaviour needs as regards freedom of movement and comfort. Poultry must be reared in open-range conditions and cannot be kept in cages. The buildings must meet certain requirements set out in the Compendium.

Egg marketing inspectors

Egg Marketing Inspectors are part of Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) and are responsible for the enforcement in England and Wales of various pieces of legislation which cover the production and marketing of eggs, at all points of the marketing chain up to but not including retail & catering level, although the Inspectors are also authorised to conduct inspections at retail & catering premises where the need arises.

Marking and quality standards – egg marking (stamping)

All Class A eggs (ie those sold through retail and to catering) are required to be marked with a code identifying the method of production, country of origin and the production establishment. In addition, the Registration of Establishments Regulations 2003 requires all laying hens establishments to be registered and allocated a distinguishing number comprising of a digit indicating the farming method, Member State code and identification number. This number can be obtained by registering with the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) Egg Marketing Inspectors.

• Explanatory Leaflet EMR1 – Guidance on legislation covering the marketing of  hen eggs

Key publications and forms

• Egg Marketing Inspectorate forms and explanatory leaflets covering the various stages of egg production.

Contact

• Defra Poultry Meat and Eggs Team: eggs-poultry@defra.gsi.gov.uk

 Further information 

• Frequently asked questions on eggs covering egg marking (stamping) and registration requirements
• Welfare of laying hens
• National Control Plans for the reduction of Salmonella
• Eggs – Business Link