Free-Range Eggs Ban Hits UK Supermarkets from Monday
From Monday 21st March, free-range eggs will vanish from store shelves across the UK. Instead, all eggs sold must carry a new label declaring them as “barn eggs” — meaning the hens were kept permanently indoors.
Avian Flu Outbreak Forces Egg Rules Change
The drastic move comes after the worst avian flu outbreak on record struck the UK this winter, with over 80 outbreaks reported in England alone. Since November, all hens have been banned from going outside to curb the spread of the disease.
Farmers’ Hopes Dashed as Restrictions Stay Put
Farmers had been hopeful the indoor confinement order would be lifted next week. But fresh outbreaks have forced the government to keep hens under cover. This long spell indoors means eggs from now on cannot be labelled free-range, even if the birds are usually allowed outside.
Who Does the Ban Affect?
- The ban covers all hens, from backyard birds to large poultry farms.
- Includes birds reared for meat and egg production.
- Aims to protect flocks from ongoing avian flu threats.
The government says keeping birds indoors is vital to controlling this bird flu crisis, but shoppers face months without their favourite free-range eggs.
