Several MPs visited Noble Foods’ packing centre in Lincolnshire, in January, as part of a visit organised by the NFU and the BEIC. The visit offered an insight into how one of the nation’s staple proteins is packed, graded and distributed, and how the business is using renewable energy across its operations.
The visit began with introductions from Liam Burke, managing director of Noble Foods and Will Raw, chair of the NFU National Poultry Board, followed by a tour of the packing area and distribution site. MPs, including Ben Goldsborough, Amanda Hack, Josh Fenton-Glynn and John Milne, learned how eggs are processed and graded and heard directly from industry representatives about the key issues facing the egg and poultry sectors, including avian influenza, planning permission issues, supply chain pressures and trade‑related concerns.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “It was great to welcome MPs to see the work taking place across the egg sector. Visits like these help to provide MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to highlight the critical role farming plays to produce the nation’s food, and our food security. They are also essential for showcasing the growth and investment required for the future of British farming, so our farmers and growers can continue producing safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food alongside caring for the environment.”
Nick Allen, BEIC chief executive Nick Allen said: “Through British Lion Standards we have some of the highest food safety standards anywhere in the world, which is why consumers trust—and actively look for—the British Lion mark on eggs. We encourage more MPs to undertake visits like this to better understand the effort that goes into every pack of British Lion eggs, and to listen to our concerns about the current government’s trade policies.”
Noble Foods managing director Liam Burke said: “We were pleased to welcome MPs to our packing centre and to represent the egg industry as part of a wide‑ranging and constructive discussion. Visits like this help bring to life the care and attention that goes into every egg we handle – from our producers through to the end product – as well as the strength of the teams across the supply chain who make it all possible.
“I hope the visit offered a clear sense of the quality of our facilities, but also the pride shared by British producers, packers and retailers in maintaining the highest standards, particularly at a time when the industry is navigating significant challenges around avian influenza, planning and trade. That collective commitment is what ensures safe, high‑quality eggs continue to help feed the nation.”