Half of UK eggs laid by cage-free hens

Egg production in the UK has broken a national record with 50% of UK eggs now being laid by cage free hens.

The latest figures from Defra reveal that 45% of eggs produced in the UK throughout 2010 were free-range while 5% were produced in barn systems. This increased from 41% free-range and 4% barn in 2009.

However, around two thirds of all eggs used in restaurants, pubs and cafes, whether whole or in liquid form in quiches and cakes, continue to be sourced from hens kept in battery cages.

The RSPCA is calling for caterers and restaurants to respond to customer demand and put higher welfare products on their menus and shelves - and to enter the RSPCA Good Business Awards, which reward companies for their contribution to animal welfare.

RSPCA senior farm animal scientist Alice Clark said: “The RSPCA believes that all hens should be kept in properly managed free-range or barn systems.

“We are encouraging everyone in the food retail sector to use welfare-friendly eggs, introduce or improve animal welfare policies and to enter the food category of the RSPCA Good Business Awards.”

About 17 million hens are still kept in cages with less useable space each than the size of a piece of A4 paper. They are unable to move around freely, move away from each other easily or to express natural behaviours properly, such as foraging and dust bathing.

Last year, retailers including The Co-operative, Sainsbury’s and Abel & Cole took home awards in recognition of their contribution to higher animal welfare standards.
Good Business Awards manager Jane Aslett said: “Over the last 10 years, animal welfare has remained a priority among consumers and spending on ethical goods and services has increased three-fold.”

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By Gemma Rowbotham