§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to improve the descriptions of eggs for sale in terms of the rearing system used. [97501]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 9 November 1999]: EC Egg Marketing rules cover the use of 'Special Marketing Terms' for eggs for sale in terms of the rearing system used. The European Commission is due to review these terms following the adoption of the Directive on the Welfare of Laying Hens this summer. We await proposals from the Commission. Once negotiations begin we will be seeking to ensure the rules reflect the high welfare standards we have in the UK.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will prohibit the description farm fresh eggs from being used to describe those originating from battery systems. [97502]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 9 November 1999]: Under the EC Egg Marketing Regulations the term 'fresh' is reserved for eggs of Grade A quality, which is the highest standard of freshness and cleanliness laid down. It may be used to describe eggs produced under any system, including battery systems. The word 'farm' is not considered to be misleading, as nearly all eggs are produced on farms of one kind or another.