The pledge comes in response to concerns raised by Jim Paice MP, Minister of State for Food and Agriculture, that insufficient progress has been made by egg producers in other EU Member States to convert production away from battery cages potentially resulting in non-compliant eggs and egg products entering the UK.
All UK-sourced eggs are guaranteed fully traceable and carry the British Lion Quality Mark which ensures the eggs are produced to the highest standards for free-range and barn egg production.
The company buys 2,100 tonnes of powdered egg from EU producers, over half of which is from free range producers. Extensive audit work with EU suppliers means that, from December 2011, Premier Foods can confirm that all EU dried powdered egg will be sourced only from free range or barn egg certified producers who are registered with and certified by the Kontolliert Durch Kat (KAT) Association or equivalent certification scheme.
Ian Bowles, head of sustainability at Premier Foods, said: “We are absolutely confident in the quality and provenance of all the eggs used as ingredients in our products. The British Lion and KAT certification schemes also ensure that the welfare of the hens that lay the eggs we use is protected. We are pleased to support DEFRA, our retail customers and others in ensuring that only eggs compliant with the EU Directive are available in the UK.”
Source: Premier Foods
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