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Written question asked by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 14 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Poultry: Animal Welfare

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking across procurement policy, food service, and manufacturing supply chains to ensure that improved domestic welfare standards are not undermined by the use of imported lower-welfare egg products.

Answer

The National Procurement Policy Statement, published in February, underscores the Government's commitment to increasing the procurement of food that meets higher environmental standards, supporting local suppliers and upholding ethical sourcing practises across public sector contracts. This includes sourcing products from all farmed animals which have been raised to high UK welfare standards as defined in current animal welfare legislation.

As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at its disposal to protect UK’s most sensitive sectors.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1118
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Animal welfare Eggs Imports Poultry Standards Supply chains
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk