An online petition asking supermarkets to stop importing eggs for use in British products has become one of the most successful on change.org.
The petition, which now has more than 35,000 signatures, was launched by British Lion Egg Processors and has received significant support from the public; MPs including Neil Parish, Jim Shannon and Rosie Cooper.
The petition was started in response to research which showed that, while consumers put their trust in British supermarkets to sell safe products and be transparent with their sourcing, they are surprised and concerned that a significant number of imported eggs are in pre-prepared foods, such as quiche, egg sandwiches and salads, that do not meet the same safety standards as British Lion eggs.
With boxes of shell eggs on sale in major retailers clearly labelled and produced to British Lion standards, consumers expect egg ingredients to be British and produced to the same high standards.
Andrew Joret, British Egg Industry Council Chairman, said: “To have more than 35,000 people calling on retailers to use British eggs for food made in Britain is a momentous achievement, and will make a huge difference in encouraging more retailers to ‘buy British’. It shows just how strongly people feel about their right to choose food made with eggs that meet the highest food safety standards and support British farmers. Consumers deserve to be told clearly where the eggs in their food come from, whether it’s an egg sandwich, quiche or a scotch egg.
“We have already had positive feedback from some retailers and this milestone will help remind them, and others, how important this issue is to British consumers. Our mission now is to continue raising awareness and encouraging others to support the movement.”
The petition can be found here:
