Ukraine and Poland have become the UK's largest egg suppliers, raising concerns about food safety and animal welfare as imports of eggs from caged hens bypass domestic standards. Freedom of information data from the Animal and Plant Health Agency shows that by 2025, Ukraine and Poland together accounted for over 15 million kilograms of egg imports, with Ukraine providing 8 million kilograms so far this year, followed by Poland with almost 7 million kilograms.
The shift has alarmed British egg farmers, who face unfair competition from producers in countries where battery cages, banned in the UK since 2012, remain widespread. Mark Williams, chair of the British Egg Industry Council, said: 'Our farmers are asked to invest in ever-higher standards of hen welfare while the government leaves the back door open to eggs produced in a system that is banned in the UK. This is morally wrong and unfair.'
Imports of eggs for consumption rose sharply from about 3,500 consignments in 2023 to more than 10,000 in 2024. While overall tonnage declined, many small shipments from regions with caged-hen systems have replaced fewer large ones. The UK currently produces about 88% of its own eggs, with the remaining 12% imported. Leading supermarkets sell only British Lion eggs, but imported eggs are more likely to be used in restaurants and food processing.
The tariff-free trade, introduced to support Ukraine after Russia's invasion, has been extended for most goods until 2029, but eggs and poultry are classed as 'sensitive products' and have only a two-year extension. Williams acknowledged the humanitarian case but argued: 'Aid should not come at the expense of UK egg farmers – particularly when British retailers have already pledged to go cage-free by 2025.'
A government spokesperson said: 'We are backing our farmers with the largest nature-friendly budget in history to get more British food on our plates and we will always protect our farmers in trade deals. We are making the supply chain fairer and are engaging with the egg industry to draft new regulations to ensure a level playing field for producers.'
