The rules for labelling free-range eggs change for some poultry farmers in the east of England today - but south west farmers have a couple more weeks to prepare.

Eggs from poultry that have to be housed due to avian influenza will have to be marked as barn eggs.

This change in the law begins today (February 1) for poultry farmers in the east of England (Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex).

This law change will come into force later on February 27 for the rest of England, as the start date marks the end of the 16-week grace period given after the introduction of a regional housing order on October 12, 2022 and then the subsequent national mandatory housing order put in place on November 7, 2022.

Defra will allow the same packaging concessions that were granted last year, as it recognises the increased costs facing poultry farmers, as well as the impact of bird flu.

Where other options are not feasible, such as over-stickering or marketing eggs in “barn reared” egg boxes, farmers will be allowed to print directly to the pack or fix labels onto free-range boxes to tell consumers that the eggs have come from hens that are now barn reared.

Over the last two years, the United Kingdom has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza with more than 300 cases confirmed since late October 2021 - of which more than 270 have been in England. More than 7million captive birds have died or been killed.

The enhanced biosecurity measures including housing mandated by the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) currently in force in England are intended to protect flocks from the disease.

The labelling will remain in place until the housing order is lifted.

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."

An indication of the farming method must continue to appear on the outer surface of packs containing the eggs in easily visible and clearly legible type. 

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 should not be stamped with two codes.

Defra has told poultry farmers that they must put in place one of the requirements for marketing eggs laid on or after the expiry of the 16-week derogation. These are, in order of preference:

  • Eggs are to be sold in “barn egg” boxes in order to clearly display the farming method of the eggs.
  • Over-stickering “free-range” boxes by placing a sticker over the “free-range” text in order to obscure or interrupt it leaving the correct farming method (“Barn Eggs”) easily visible and clearly legible to the consumer. The over-lay sticker must be of suitable material to be affixed to allow for good adhesion and to prevent any labels dislodging before sale to the final consumer.
  • The use of direct print to pack or an affixed label on free-range boxes where the words “Barn Eggs” are included in the ‘Best Before’ section for domestic sales. The words “Barn Eggs” should be easily visible and clearly legible.
  • Clear and transparent Point of Sale (POS) signage is also crucial to ensure consumers are not misled, and to avoid undermining consumer confidence in the free-range industry.