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.
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

Charity urges shoppers to check labels

Concerns over brands using eggs from caged hens

Animal welfare charity, FOUR PAWS, has urged shoppers to check labels before buying cakes, biscuits and other confectionary, to check that the eggs used are not from caged hens.

The charity says that whilst many brands whose products are sold in UK supermarkets have pledged to use free range eggs in their products, many still do not.

 

Spokesperson for FOUR PAWS, Angelique Davies, says: "Around half of hens in the UK are still housed in cages. If it doesn't specify on the ingredient list that the eggs are free-range or barn, you can assume they are likely to have come from cages. 

 

"We're really making headway on this issue; with growing numbers of retailers and manufacturers pledging to use only cage-free eggs, there's plenty of choice for consumers to shop ethically."

 

A poll commissioned by the charity reportedly found that 69 per cent of people to respond said they thought all food products containing eggs should be labelled to show whether the eggs came from caged or cage-free birds.

 

The charity has voiced concerns that the natural behaviour of hens is restricted in a caged environment, and is calling for the egg labelling laws to be extended so that companies using eggs from caged hens in their products will have to make that clear on the label.

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

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.