Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st February 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Defra announces new barn egg labelling concession
Eggs originating from free range flocks will need to be labelled as barn eggs until further notice.

The move is designed to support producers with rising costs and the impacts of avian influenza.

Eggs originating from free-range flocks in England housed owing to the spread of avian influenza will need to be labelled as barn eggs under new measures announced by the Government.

The concession comes into force today (1 February) for eggs originating from free-range flocks in East Anglia and from 27 February for the rest of England. In line with egg marketing regulations, the dates mark the end of the 16-week grace period given after the introduction of a regional and subsequent national mandatory housing order.

Farming minister Mark Spencer said: “Farmers and poultry producers are facing real pressures as a result of this avian influenza outbreak. We hope the labelling concessions announced today will help ease the burden industry is facing. 

“We are very mindful of the need to maintain consumer confidence in the free-range brand long-term and appreciate the continued cooperation from the sector as we battle this insidious disease".

The United Kingdom is currently facing its largest-ever avian influenza outbreak, with more than 300 cases confirmed since late October 2021, most of which have been in England. To mitigate the spread of the disease, the Government maintains that all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors in England until further notice and that keepers follow strict biosecurity measures required under the Avian Influenza Protection Zone.

The new legislation requires producers to clearly indicate the farming method on the outer surface of egg packaging and stamp eggs with the appropriate code to show that the farming method has changed. Retailers will be required to provide clear signage to ensure customers are not misled and to avoid undermining consumer confidence in the free range egg industry.

The measures will remain in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.