Quiche, cakes, sandwiches and mayonnaise are all in danger of being produced using illegal eggs from 2012 if manufacturers do not move fast to secure supply, producers have warned.
In January 2012, battery cages will be outlawed across the EU, to be replaced by higher welfare enriched colony systems. British Lion Eggs has pledged that all eggs covered by its code will be produced using the new system by then, but there are doubts over imported and non-Lion products.
As much as a third of the 75,000 tonnes of eggs used in products such as ready meals and sandwiches are imported, but industry sources say most EU countries are in poor shape for converting in time. Spain, for instance, still has 95% of its hens in battery cages and producers are expected to seek a derogation.
"We must ensure retailers understand that imported products may not reach the standards of EU legislation," warned Kevin Coles, associate director at the British Egg Information Service.
New regulations that increased stocking densities meant the UK had the capacity to raise production, but retailers and manufacturers needed to put plans in place now, he said. "They simply won't have the eggs unless they start talking to suppliers now. They need security of supply."
Producers would need to begin laying birds in 2011 if they were to be ready in time, Coles added. And with some producers expected to drop out of the industry rather than foot the bill for converting production, it was even more critical the remainder were given guarantees their products would be bought.
The extinction list (22//09)
In January 2012, battery cages will be outlawed across the EU, to be replaced by higher welfare enriched colony systems. British Lion Eggs has pledged that all eggs covered by its code will be produced using the new system by then, but there are doubts over imported and non-Lion products.
As much as a third of the 75,000 tonnes of eggs used in products such as ready meals and sandwiches are imported, but industry sources say most EU countries are in poor shape for converting in time. Spain, for instance, still has 95% of its hens in battery cages and producers are expected to seek a derogation.
"We must ensure retailers understand that imported products may not reach the standards of EU legislation," warned Kevin Coles, associate director at the British Egg Information Service.
New regulations that increased stocking densities meant the UK had the capacity to raise production, but retailers and manufacturers needed to put plans in place now, he said. "They simply won't have the eggs unless they start talking to suppliers now. They need security of supply."
Producers would need to begin laying birds in 2011 if they were to be ready in time, Coles added. And with some producers expected to drop out of the industry rather than foot the bill for converting production, it was even more critical the remainder were given guarantees their products would be bought.
The extinction list (22//09)
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