Egg producers and packers will no longer need to change how eggs are labelled during an outbreak of avian influenza, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced.

Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced to protect birds from the spread of disease, eggs from free-range birds can only continue to be labelled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks after the housing order has come into effect – the existing “derogation” period under the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations. After that period, these eggs must then be labelled as barn eggs.

The amends to existing legislation, which will be introduced through a Statutory Instrument later this year, will mean that free-range eggs can continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures.

Defra said the move would “cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence”.

Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said: “We understand the pressures facing the egg producing sector and the crippling impact that avian influenza outbreaks can have on their businesses. Removing the need to change labels on eggs and packaging will help them keep costs down and remain competitive.

“This Government will restore stability and confidence in the sector introducing a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security alongside nature’s recovery.”

Defra said that there were currently no outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry or other captive birds in the UK. However, avian influenza continued to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe, with Defra stating that keepers should “remain vigilant” and practice “stringent biosecurity” to protect the health and welfare of their birds.