Differentiating for health: Free range eggs with a boost of omega-3

摘要

Leading UK egg producer has launched a new line: free-range eggs with enhanced levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Egg production in the United Kingdom has undergone a quiet revolution over recent years. In the 1970s and 1980s, almost all eggs wereproduced by hens in battery cages. Since then, the attention of British consumers has turned towards eggs from hens housed in alternative systems. Three supermarket chains have not stocked cage eggs for some years, and others continue to supply them only for their budget lines. In 2006, the proportion of cage eggs in the UK had fallen to 63%, while 27% are from free-range farms and 5% each from barn systems and organic production. From 2012, conventional battery cages will be banned in all European Union countries. Some member states are introducing the ban early, and others have made it clear that even the new furnished (enriched) cages will not be acceptable.