‘Almost all eggs purchased in public sector are from caged hens’

Government research shows that almost all eggs purchased by public sector institutions are from caged hens. The research concludes that 'at best' less than 10% of eggs bought by government were from non-caged sources, such as barn, free range and organic eggs. In comparison, almost half of the eggs sold in supermarkets are free range which campaign group Sustain, who commissioned the research, said shows government purchasing to be out of touch with public opinion. Chris Mullin, MP for Sunderland South has this week hosted a Westminster Hall Debate to require the use of non-caged eggs in catering for schools, hospitals, care homes and other public sector institutions. He will call for legislation that will prohibit the purchase of caged eggs in the public sector and require purchase of free range eggs. Mullin said: "It is important that government leads by example to support animal welfare. Prohibiting public sector organisations from buying cage eggs would make a huge difference to the welfare of millions of hens. Government has a responsibility to use public money wisely to support ethical food choices." Adrian Potter, director of Yorkshire Farmhouse Eggs, said: "This is good news in terms of raising the profile of British free range egg farming, an industry where the welfare of the birds is of paramount importance. Government buying free range eggs in bulk will demonstrate clear support for the British free range industry a sector where farmers are trying to do the right thing." But there are some examples of good practice within the public sector, as Paul Winter, head of hotel services at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, explained: "The Trust has made the decision to buy free range eggs because it's good for the hens that lay the eggs, the patients who will benefit from better tasting eggs and for my staff who have something to feel proud of. "The government must make it mandatory for all public sector organisations to ban caged eggs. It is an obvious thing to do."