Eggs labelled as free range are to begin disappearing from supermarket shelves as new labelling rules come into force to reflect that hens remain locked-down because of the risk of bird flu.
Labelling changes are being introduced for eggs originating from free range flocks, which will need to be marked as barn eggs all the while the animals have to remain undercover.

From February 1, the new rules apply to eggs coming from free range hens in the east of England - including Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex - which were among the first to bring their birds inside under regional government housing orders sparked by a rise in outbreaks of bird flu.

The new labelling rules will then apply to free range flocks in the rest of England from February 27th in line with Egg Marketing Standards Regulations.

The staggered start dates, explains the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), acknowledges the end of a 16-week grace period given to farmers and manufactures who have been permitted for four months since their animals were contained because of the risk of the virus to continue selling their eggs as free range.

Over the last two years, the United Kingdom has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza with over 300 cases confirmed since late October 2021 of which over 270 have been in England.

The impact of the outbreak combined with higher production costs has resulted in supermarkets across the country facing egg shortages as a result of problems in supply chains.

To try and recognise the higher costs the industry is facing, says DEFRA, it is granting 'packaging concessions' which will allow producers to 'over sticker' egg boxes to now mark them as 'barn reared' to show consumers the eggs they're buying now come from hens being kept in barns.

Eggs must also be stamped with the appropriate code to show that the farming method has changed from ‘free-range’ or 1UK to ‘barn’ production or 2UK. Eggs, says DEFRA, should not be stamped with two codes.

The new labelling rules will remain in place until the housing order is lifted and hens are permitted to roam free once again.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said: "Farmers and poultry producers are facing real pressures as a result of this avian influenza outbreak. We hope the labelling concessions announced today will help ease the burden industry is facing.

"We are very mindful of the need to maintain consumer confidence in the free-range brand long-term and appreciate the continued cooperation from the sector as we battle this insidious disease.