The petition is supported by MPs, including Labour’s Ruth Jones, as well as celebrities and influencers such as Myleene Klass and @HonestMumJade.
The call comes following the recent launch of a British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) manifesto for change, which demanded that food businesses drop dual standards on egg purchasing and back British eggs.
The petition, supported by BEIC, was started in response to consumer research of 2,000 people which revealed that consumers were surprised and concerned that a significant number of eggs in pre-prepared foods, such as quiche, egg sandwiches and salads were imported.
The research showed that 82% of consumers wanted complete transparency about where eggs in their food comes from to make an informed purchasing decision. Of those surveyed 61% of shoppers were concerned about the quality of imported food, 66% believed that 100% British eggs should be used for prepared foods and 79% said they would like to see a British Lion mark on egg-based foods
The concern of the British egg industry is that imported eggs and egg products are not produced to the same standards as the British Lion Code. Eggs produced under this food safety scheme ensures eggs are produced to high standards of food safety, including vaccination of hens against salmonella and stringent hygiene practices throughout the production chain.
There was also concern raised that using imported eggs also adds unnecessary food miles.
Morrisons stole a march on its competitors by introducing the Lion mark across its popular quiche range, highlighting that it uses quality, British eggs and supports UK’s farmers.
Mark Williams, BEIC chairman, said: “Reaching 50,000 signatures shows just how strongly people feel about their right to choose food that meets the highest food safety standards and supports British farmers.
“British Lion shell eggs are available in all major UK retailers and it’s time that we see a similar commitment for British Lion egg products. Consumers deserve to be told clearly where the eggs in their foods are from, whether it’s an egg sandwich, quiche or a scotch egg.”
Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, said: “Our farmers are among the best in the world and I would call on all our supermarkets, wherever possible, to champion their produce. Consumers deserve the choice to buy homegrown in the knowledge they are not just buying a product but supporting jobs and honouring our high animal welfare standards.
“British eggs are safe to eat and better than imported alternatives for the planet. It is high time we see that reflected on our supermarket shelves.”
