Mar 22nd, 2022
3 mins
As you will be aware, blanket housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland came into force from 00:01 on Monday 29th November.
This meant that since then it has been a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread and to eradicate the disease.
Defra have now confirmed that from Monday 21st March this continuing housing order now means any eggs laid on or after that date, or any meat from housed birds can no longer be claimed to be free-range.
This is in accordance with Regulation (EC) 589/2008 , which dictates that if birds are housed beyond a 16-week period, they are then to be classed as barn eggs and meat.
DEFRA have been communicating directly with industry and have issued requirements as to how suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, and caterers must act going forwards. We are of the understanding that this covers requirements for the labelling of free-range eggs and meat, both on physical packs and customer communication (in store and on the web) as well as what to do if free range eggs are used as an ingredient in a product and how to inform the consumer. Please therefore ensure you check with your customer as to their specific requirements.
Latest situational updates on the Avian Influenza outbreak can be found here
DAERA have also recently produced guidance which you may find useful
