AN online petition calling on supermarkets to stop importing eggs for use in British products has been signed 35,000 times.
Launched by the British Egg Processors, in addition to the support from the public, it has received backing from MPs, such as Neil Parish, Jim Shannon and Rosie Cooper and celebrities like Myleene Klass and Georgia Edit.
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Research has shown that consumers trust British supermarkets to sell safe products and be transparent with their sourcing.
But they are “surprised and concerned” that a significant number of imported eggs are in pre-prepared foods, such as quiche, egg sandwiches and salads, that do not necessarily meet the same safety standards as British Lion eggs.
There have been several food safety issues associated with egg products produced in Europe and further afield in recent years.
‘Momentous achievement’
Andrew Joret, British Egg Industry Council chairman, said: “To have more than 35,000 people calling on retailers to use British eggs for food made in Britain is a momentous achievement and will make a huge difference in encouraging more retailers to ‘buy British’.
“It shows just how strongly people feel about their right to choose food made with eggs that meet the highest food safety standards and support British farmers.
“Consumers deserve to be told clearly where the eggs in their food come from, whether it’s an egg sandwich, quiche or a scotch egg.
“We have already had positive feedback from some retailers, and this milestone will help remind them, and others, how important this issue is to British consumers.
“Our mission now is to continue raising awareness and encouraging others to support the movement.”
The petition can be found here: https://www.change.org/britisheggsforbritishfood
