50,000 sign petition for British eggs in UK ready-made food
More than 50,000 people have signed a petition calling for only British eggs to be used in UK-made foods like sandwiches and quiches - a push backed by Labour MP Ruth Jones, broadcaster Myleene Klass, and social media influencer @HonestMumJade.
The campaign follows the launch of the British Egg Industry Council’s manifesto urging an end to 'dual standards' in egg sourcing. It calls on supermarkets and food producers to match the safety and welfare standards of British Lion shell eggs in all egg-based products.
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.”
82% of shoppers want to know where the eggs in their food come from
66% think only British eggs should be used
61% don’t trust the quality of imported eggs
British Egg Industry Council chairman Mark Williams 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.
"British Lion shell eggs are available in all major UK retailers and it’s time that we see a similar commitment for British Lion egg products.
"Consumers deserve to be told clearly where the eggs in their foods are from, whether it's an egg sandwich, quiche or a scotch egg.”
Morrisons recently became the first major retailer to use the British Lion mark across its quiche range.
Research shows 79% of shoppers want the British Lion logo on egg-based items.
The debate has food safety implications. Imported egg products, especially from Europe, have previously been linked to health alerts including warnings from the Food Standards Agency over Polish eggs.
