As retailers regale us with idyllic images of yellow, fluffy chicks hatched from pristine eggs over Easter, the reality for many laying hens is very different. Although almost 50% of eggs in the UK are cage-free, many still come from hens living in cramped conditions in the so-called ‘enriched’ cage. Surely it’s time UK retail turned its back on the cage for good?
All retailers in Germany have voluntarily been cage-free since 2012 and the German government has committed to banning all cages by 2028. In the US, since McDonald’s cage-free egg announcement last September, many other companies - including retailers such as Kroger, Delhaize and Albertsons - are following suit. Just last week, the Canadian Retail Consortium announced all its members will sell only cage-free eggs by 2025. By comparison, there’s a deafening silence in the UK.
Waitrose, M&S, The Co-operative, Sainsbury’s and a number of smaller retailers in the UK are already cage-free on all their shell eggs. But there are some notable omissions among the retail giants, and there are no signs of movement from the UK government.
While far from perfect in its welfare standards, the UK has much to be proud of. For example, sow stalls are entirely banned (in the rest of the EU they’re permitted for the first four weeks of a sow’s pregnancy, and in the US there’s no legislation at all). But egg-laying hens on British soil are being neglected. Why?
Retailers who have yet to make a cage-free pledge on their eggs seem to be hiding behind a misguided notion of ‘choice’ for consumers. While it’s important to offer good value options, welfare-friendly products should not just be the preserve of wealthier shoppers. The UK already has an excellent supply base of cage-free eggs, and volumes available (and cost of production) would only improve with further commitments from major retailers.
The intention from across the pond is loud and clear. With that in mind, maybe this Easter will pave the way for some fresh, cage-free commitments from UK retailers - and signal the start of a new era for laying hens.
Jemima Jewell is head of food business, Compassion in World Farming
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