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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th January 2012
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Egg Industry to sue Defra over battery eggs
Refusal to ban illegal imported eggs prompts challenge.

The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has begun the first stages of launching Judicial Review proceedings after informing Defra that it would be challenging the government's response to the EU battery cage egg ban.

The British egg industry has invested ￡400 million in upgrading facilities to phase out battery cages and meet the requirements of the new EU legislation, which came into force on January 1st 2012. All British Lion eggs now come from chickens housed in “enriched colony” cages.

However, more than 50 million hens across thirteen non-compliant EU countries are still being kept in battery cages. The British egg industry is objecting to the fact that the government will not be imposing a unilateral ban on the 40 million eggs per day that are illegally produced in these battery cages.

Farming Minister Jim Paice, speaking in December, cited ‘very significant legal and financial implications’ and practical difficulties in enforcing such a ban. The government has instead called for a voluntary boycott by retailers, food service companies, processors and other manufacturers.

However, the BEIC argues that the government has ‘incorrectly interpreted the law’ and suggested it was ‘condoning the importation of illegal battery cage eggs and egg products into the UK’.

BEIC chairman Andrew Parker said: “British egg producers have invested heavily to meet their legal obligations and improve animal welfare. We now need our Government to support them by preventing unfair competition from producers in other countries who have not complied with the ban.”

“We’re asking the Government to conduct proper checks of imported eggs, egg products and products containing eggs entering UK ports, egg packing stations, processing plants, importers and wholesalers. Otherwise, UK consumers could be eating eggs from illegal battery hens, and British egg producers will be seriously undermined, with the possible loss of thousands of jobs.”

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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.