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Hen welfare charity backs ethical chocolate cakes
About 60 per cent of eggs laid by caged hens are snuck into processed foods such as cakes. (Stock photo)
Public urged to choose cakes made with free range eggs

The British Hen Welfare Trust has listed some ethical chocolate cakes that contain only free range eggs, ahead of International Chocolate Cake Day on 27 January.

About 60 per cent of eggs laid by caged hens are snuck into processed foods including cakes, quiches and pasta, the charity warns.

Consumers are being urged to check ingredients lists to ensure they are not inadvertently eating eggs from caged hens. As a general rule, if ‘free range’ isn’t stated in the list of ingredients, the eggs will be caged or barn.

In honour of this year’s International Chocolate Cake Day, the BHWT recommends a few cakes containing free range eggs:
  • Sainsbury’s Belgian Chocolate Fudge Cake
  • Tesco Finest White Chocolate and Strawberry Cake
  • ASDA Extra Special Hand Finished Salted Caramel & Chocolate Cake
  • Morrisons The Best Chocolate Cake

The charity also draws attention to a number of cakes that are made with eggs from caged hens:
  • Galaxy Chocolate Cake Bars
  • Thornton’s Triple Layer Chocolate Birthday Cake
  • Cadbury Crunchie Cake
  • Mr Kipling Choc Chip Cake Slices

Around 16 million hens are kept in colony cages in the UK, according to BHWT, which has so far found retirement homes for over 600,000 caged birds that were destined for slaughter.

Founder of the trust, Jane Howorth MBE, said: “It’s disappointing some chocolate cake manufacturers still use eggs from caged hens. By making an ethical decision on your chocolate cake you will not only be able to enjoy it guilt-free but you will make the world of difference to the hen that helped to create it.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.