UK Green MEP Awards ‘Good Eggs’ At Ceremony In European Parliament
16 April 2008
The ‘Good Egg Awards’ are given by leading animal welfare group Compassion In World Farming to celebrate organisations that have chosen to stop sourcing eggs from battery cages and switch to free range.
This year’s awards come as the European Commission has finally decided that there will be no postponement of the ban on conventional battery eggs which is due to come into force by 2012.
Dr Lucas said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to host these prestigious awards, which give credit to companies who are leading the way by example by making the shift towards cage-free eggs.
“The awards show that the 2012 European Commission ban on battery farmed eggs is increasingly being supported by consumers, retailers, foodservice operators, and food manufacturers.
“Despite heavy lobbying from the egg industry, the Commission rejected calls for a delay of the ban earlier this year, which was a real victory for animal welfare campaigners and a testament to the strength of consumer power.
She continued: “The confinement of egg-laying hens in battery cages is amongst the most inhumane practices in factory farming. It’s been estimated that up to 300 million hens in EU member states are currently confined to battery cages that barely allow them to turn around, let alone spread their wings or fulfil many of their natural behaviours.
“And this isn’t just a matter of horrendous animal cruelty, it is also a major human health risk, as increasing evidence suggests that intensive poultry farming practices play a key role in the spread of disease such as avian influenza.
“The increase in consumption of cage-free eggs demonstrates that individuals are prepared to change their buying habits. According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, over 60% of EU consumers would be prepared to change their usual place of shopping in order to be able to buy more animal-friendly food.”
Dr Lucas concluded: “Yet while it’s good news that the Commission has not postponed the ban, 2012 is still a long way off. The ban will also still allow so-called "enriched cages" to be used, and therefore our aim must be a total ban on cages for laying hens as soon as possible.
“It’s vital that from 2012, EU retailers, foodservice operators and food manufacturers support the EU ban by committing themselves as well to not importing shell eggs or egg products which are produced to below EU welfare standards.
ENDS
