50,000 people have signed a petition urging supermarkets to stop using imported eggs in British-made foods and use British egg products.
The petition is supported by MPs, including Labour’s Ruth Jones. The milestone follows the recent launch of a British Egg Industry Council manifesto, demanding food businesses drop dual standards on egg purchasing and back British eggs.
The petition was started in response to research showing that consumers were surprised and concerned that a significant number of eggs in pre-prepared foods, such as quiche, egg sandwiches and salads were imported. Those concerns remain, with recent research showing 82% want complete transparency about where eggs in their food comes from to make an informed purchasing decision.
Morrisons has already introduced the Lion mark across its quiche range, highlighting that it uses British eggs and supports UK’s farmers.
In recent years there have been a number of food safety issues associated with eggs and egg products produced in Europe and further afield, with the issue becoming so prevalent that the Food Standards Agency had to issue an official warning about the risk of food poisoning in relation to Polish eggs.
Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, said: “Our farmers are among the best in the world and I would call on all our supermarkets, wherever possible, to champion their produce. Consumers deserve the choice to buy homegrown in the knowledge they are not just buying a product but supporting jobs and honouring our high animal welfare standards. British eggs are safe to eat and better than imported alternatives for the planet. It is high time we see that reflected on our supermarket shelves.”
Mark Williams, British Egg Industry Council Chairman, said: “Reaching 50,000 signatures shows just how strongly people feel about their right to choose food that meets the highest food safety standards and supports British farmers.”