European Commission on dangerous grounds by rewarding illegal eggs producers

Posted on 15/11/2011

There was disagreement at yesterday's Agriculture and Fisheries Council over the use of illegal eggs in January 2012. Commissioner Dalli continues to seek a solution for eggs produced in illegal battery cages after the ban in January 2012.

"Discussions between the Commission and member states were closed to the public yesterday, hushing up a compromise which completely lacks any legal basis," states Eurogroup director Sonja Van Tichelen.

Countries already complying with the ban like Austria and Germany made it very clear that illegal eggs should not be marketed, while the Commissioner insists on rewarding the illegally operating producers by allowing the eggs to be sold after all. According to Agra Facts, the gentlemen’s agreement will leave it up to members states to decide what to do with the situation while claiming to “act firmly against non-compliance”. A further technical discussion to broker a deal is foreseen later this month.

"The Commission position is a serious attempt to undermine EU’s own democratically agreed legislation and makes a mockery of animal welfare rules. We are deeply disappointed," said Sonja Van Tichelen.

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