Supermarket shoppers are cracking down on imported eggs. Over 50,000 British people are demanding homemade eggs for British-made food.
The petition, launched in response to public concern over the use of imported eggs with ready-to-eat items such as sandwiches, has gained extensive support.
Supporters include Labour MP Ruth Jones, broadcaster Mileen Klass and popular social media influencer @honestmumjade.
The surge in public support follows the newly launched manifesto of the UK Egg Industry Council, which calls for the end of the “double standard” of egg procurement.
They are asking food manufacturers and supermarkets to adjust the standards for egg products used with fresh British lion eggs attached.
Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islewin, said:
“Consumers deserve the choice to purchase homemade products, not only to buy products, but to support their work and honor our high standards of animal welfare.
“Eggs in Britain are safe to eat and are better than imported alternatives for the planet. It’s now that they’re reflected on supermarket shelves.”
Research shows that 82% of shoppers want full transparency into the origins of eggs used in prepared foods.
Another 66% of those surveyed believe that supermarkets and retailers only use 100% of British eggs in such products.
Food quality concerns persist, with 61% of shoppers expressing distrust of imported standards.
“We’ve seen a lot of people who have had a lot of fun,” said Mark Williams, chairman of the UK Egg Industry Council.
“Every major UK retailer has access to British lion shell eggs, and we believe there is a similar commitment to British lion egg products.
“Consumers deserve to clearly communicate where food eggs come from, such as egg sandwiches, quiches, and scotch eggs.”
In response to growing consumer demand, Morrisons has recently become the first major retailer to introduce the British Lion Mark into its quiche series, reassuring its customers about the quality of the eggs and its British origins.
Research shows that 79% of consumers want to see the UK lion logo on egg-based foods.
This issue has a major impact on food safety. Imported egg products, particularly products from Europe, were previously linked to food safety fears, including warnings issued by the Food Standards Agency about food safety risks.
