The Welfare of Laying Hens Directive, which came into force on January 1, banned the use of cramped battery cages, forcing egg producers to use larger 'enriched' cages that give laying hens more space to move around. Producers must also provide perches and litter to enable the hens to nest, peck and scratch.
John Gelley, sales director for EU bakery at Arla Foods Ingredients, says: "There are worrying signs that bakers could face difficulties sourcing sufficient eggs for their needs or, at the very least, significantly higher prices."
Manufactured from fractionated whey proteins, Nutrilac egg replacers are less expensive than eggs, lower in calories, saturated fat and cholesterol and have a shelf-life of up to 18 months.
Gelley says: "Egg replacement ingredients, such as our Nutrilac range, perform just like eggs in a host of bakery applications, and enable companies to maintain product quality and that all-important clean-label status."
Contact: Arla Foods Ingredients