Eggs and poultry
Assurance schemes
The following section aims to provide information on industry run assurance schemes for eggs and poultry.
Assurance schemes are a means of providing assurance on the conditions of production and origin of particular foods. They are voluntary, industry led, arrangements which have been developed by industry to ensure that standards of welfare, traceability, husbandry, storage and other aspects of production are met in order to help improve consumer confidence in the integrity of products. Defra supports the development of assurance schemes because they can provide consumers with assurances on food safety and can also provide producers with the opportunity for better marketing, subject to clearance from the competition authorities.
NB: the contacts listed below are not the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and we can therefore take no responsibility for their content or views expressed therein. Please email us with any changes, or additions you would like to see.
Assured Chicken Production
On 29 March 2000, the then Agriculture Minister for MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food) Nick Brown helped launch the industry funded "Assured Chicken Production" (ACP) at the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) Food Project Conference.
The ACP Scheme has developed from the IGD Food Project. A group drawn from retailing, food manufacturing and producing interests has worked to develop assurance arrangements which command widespread support. The scheme is voluntary and open to any producer who can meet the defined standards.
The ACP scheme at present covers conditions of production and slaughtering. The schemes are:
- Breeder Replacement
- Breeder Layers
- Hatchery
- Chickens
- Free Range
- Poussin
- Catching, Transport & Slaughter
The scheme standards go beyond the statutory minimum requirements and is verified by an independent body which has United Kingdom Assurance Scheme (UKAS) accreditation. The NFU supports the ACP Scheme and ACP will use the British Farm Standard on products. Through the arrangements which the NFU are developing for the British Farm Standard, foreign produced chicken will be eligible to carry the mark as long as it meets the scheme standards.
Freedom Foods
"Freedom Food" is an independent and voluntary quality assurance scheme, monitored by the RSPCA and Freedom Food assessors. It was set up by the RSPCA to improve welfare standards in farm animals reared for food. The standards are based on five Freedoms, which are:
- freedom from fear and distress
- freedom from pain, injury or disease
- freedom from hunger and thirst
- freedom from discomfort
- freedom to express normal behaviour
Freedom Food is also a commercial charity with no commercial interest in the scheme.
All foods bearing the Freedom Food trademark are traceable, from supermarket shelf to the farm. Strict welfare standards exist for many farm animals including laying hens, broilers (chickens), turkeys and ducks. Only eggs from barn (perchery) and free range systems are eligible for the scheme. About 80% of free range produced eggs ( which represents 20% of the total shell egg market) are sold under the Freedom Food label.
British Quality Turkey Standard
On 2 July 1999 the former Animal Welfare Minister, Elliott Morley helped launch the industry funded "British Quality Standard" for British reared turkeys which is run by the British Turkey Federation (part of the British Poultry Council).
The Standard covers turkey production from the sourcing of breeding stock to all aspects of rearing including stockman competancy, housing, husbandry, nutrition and hygiene right up to final processing.
Traditional Farm Fresh Turkey
"Traditonal Farmfresh Turkey" is produced and marketed by the Traditional Farm Fresh Turkey Association (TFTA) under the 'Golden Promise' brand. A code of practice for the production of traditional and traditional free range turkeys for the Christmas market has been developed.
Traditional Farm Fresh became the first UK product to receive protected status under EU food law as a Certificate of Specific Character (CSC). As a registered CSC Traditional Farmfresh Turkey is entitled to use the EU logo as a marketing aid. This recognises the products traditional or customary characteristics and guarantees that it is authentic and unique.
Lion Quality mark
On 14 January 2000 the then Agriculture Minister for MAFF Nick Brown assisted in the launch of the industry funded "Lion Quality" mark which is a registered trademark and represents a new standard of quality for eggs.
The mark has featured prominently on egg boxes since 1998 following the launch of the British Egg Industry Council's (BEIC) Code of Practice. From 1 January 2000 the red Lion Quality mark has also been stamped on all individual eggs produced under the Code.
The Code covers all aspects of production from farm to retail including welfare and hygiene. New measures in the Lion Quality Code of Practice include:
- Vaccination of laying hens against Salmonella enteritidis
- Registration and traceability of laying hens and eggs
- Controls on storage time and temperature including a 21 day best before date on the shell and packaging.
Laid in Britain
The "Laid in Britain Quality Assurance" scheme is aimed specifically at independent egg producers, and is run by the UK Egg Producers Association (UKEP) Ltd.
This Scheme encompasses a thorough testing and monitoring programme to maintain the health and welfare of the laying flocks and guarantee the best quality eggs to the end user.
Within the Scheme, competitive exclusion has been chosen as the method of disease control because of its proven record against all salmonellae, coliforms, pasturella and other potential food safety hazards.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations are incorporated into the rearing, laying and packing areas of all Laid in Britain approved egg production units which are independently audited annually.
The Laid in Britain scheme is for members of UKEP. Mostly independent producer/packers, members operate mainly in their respective local areas supplying a varied selection of retail and catering outlets. Their proximity to the market means that any traceability trail is short.
Recorded data from accredited members confirm improved liveability and performance among their flocks, whilst the wide-ranging protection has built customer confidence in the safety, quality and value of Laid in Britain eggs.
Page last modified: 8 August 2003