The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has launched a new campaign calling on food businesses to drop dual standards on egg purchasing and back British eggs. 

Spearheading the new campaign is a manifesto for change, which calls for food businesses to stop using imported eggs in food made in the UK, and to stop the use of the Union Flag on products that use imported eggs.

The BEIC is also urging that the country of origin of eggs be labelled on products manufactured in the UK, and for the government to deprioritise companies that use imported eggs in products destined for public procurement.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

In an open letter to the food industry, introducing its ‘Manifesto for Eggcellence’, BEIC council chairman Mark Williams said: “By consistently sourcing from abroad food businesses are not only disappointing their shoppers, but also increasing food miles and undermining British farmers. This stops British egg producers investing in the future, putting domestic production at risk when consumers would like to see it increase.

“Backing British ‘Eggcellence’ means being proud of your sourcing, putting shoppers first, and embracing world-leading food safety assurance and supporting farmers. It’s time for a change.

“It’s time to back British Eggcellence and start sourcing British eggs for British-made food. It’s the right thing to do,” he added.