Farmers fear influx of eggs from Europe as countries ignore new rules banning battery eggs

December 29th, 2011

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

Agriculturalists in 13 other countries have refused to get rid of tiny cages
British farmers could go out of business if competitors sell their eggs in UK

By
Sean Poulter

Last updated at 1:57 AM on 29th December 2011

Farmers fear that cheap eggs produced in cruel battery cages on European farms are about to flood into Britain.

The cages, in which up to six hens are crammed together with no room to flap their wings, forage or scratch, are to be banned from January 1.

But while British farmers have spent £400million complying with the new EU-wide law, those in 13 other countries have refused to get rid of the tiny cages.

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Because Brussels has not backed up the new law with fines, penalties or an export ban, there is nothing to stop farmers who flout it from selling their eggs in Britain.

That means British farmers, who have gone to great expense to meet the deadline to get rid of the cages, could find they are undercut and even forced out of business.

At the same time, British customers could end up supporting illegally produced eggs by buying from food manufacturers and restaurants who use them. The Government has tried to deal with the issue by asking supermarkets and manufacturers to sign up to a voluntary code not to use the battery cage eggs. However, EU law prevents any tougher action such as an import ban.

Animal welfare campaigners and the National Farmers’ Union have condemned both the EU and Westminster authorities for failing to enforce the ban.

‘If nothing is done to stop these illegal eggs coming in to the UK it could be seen as rewarding producers who are still using cruel conventional battery cages,’ said Alice Clark, senior scientist from the RSPCA.

‘There is a real danger that shoppers will unwittingly buy illegal eggs, which will not even meet minimum welfare standards.

Caged: British farmers, who have gone to great expense to meet the deadline to get rid of the cages, could find they are undercut and even forced out of business

Competition: Because Brussels has not backed up the new law with fines, penalties or an export ban, there is nothing to stop farmers who flout it from selling their eggs in Britain

‘It will be particularly difficult to trace illegal eggs when they’ve been used as ingredients in foods such as ready meals, sandwiches, cakes and Yorkshire puddings, where they don’t have to be labelled with production system or country of origin.’

NFU poultry board chairman Charles Bourns said British farmers were ‘bitterly disappointed’ that the sale and import of battery cage eggs had not been banned.

He said: ‘We are concerned that although the Government has repeatedly pledged its support for the industry, it cannot prohibit the use of illegal egg products and food manufactured from such products.’

Farming minister Jim Paice said: ‘It is unacceptable that after the ban on battery cages comes into effect, around 50million hens across Europe will still remain in poor conditions. It would be unthinkable if countries continuing to house hens in poor conditions were to profit from flouting the law.’

While the new regime outlaws the smallest battery cages, this is not the end of hens being locked in together. A new system of so-called enriched cages, which allow more room and perches, is endorsed by authorities in the UK and Europe.

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Just because the eu will not enforce the new eu directive , it does not mean Great Britain can not as a Sovereign Nation.

– Terry Stride, Tamworth Kingdom of Mercia, 29/12/2011 05:42

So this is fair trade? Time to take a stand against this pathetic EU nonsense. A friend of mine has upgraded his farm to comply with the new standards and for what? As we raise the bar all of the others dive underneath!

– Mark, Essex, 29/12/2011 03:43

About par for the course ,Britain obays all the EU rules alll the other countrys don’t bother and then sell their stuff to us cheaply while our farmers and fishermen go broke .i dont know whether to laugh or cry at the state of my beloved homeland .

– left planet labour, Thailand, 29/12/2011 02:49

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