Five News Broadcasts Exclusive Report into Animal Welfare at UK Largest Egg Producer

An investigation by Five News and Viva (Vegetarian International Voice for Animals) has uncovered evidence that suggests Britain’s largest egg producer is contravening strict guidelines on animal welfare.

Noble Foods Limited own hen farms accredited to the RSPCA Freedom Food scheme, designed to offer particularly high standards of welfare for farm animals.  For it’s Happy Egg brand, Noble Foods portrays an image of welfare standards beyond the requirements of the Freedom Food scheme.

However, exclusive footage obtained by Five News and Viva suggests the guidelines are being breached.

An employee for Noble Foods was covertly filmed revealing that electric wires are used to control the hens’ and that they are encouraged to remain indoors until 80 per cent of them are laying.

Another worker admitted that at least one barn was infested with red mite, a parasite that causes skin irritations.

On a second visit to the farm in Fife, Scotland, investigators filmed dozens of birds which had lost feathers due to disease and being pecked by other hens.

Images on the company’s website states that hens are given activities to enhance their natural surroundings such as “an adventure playground and sandpit”.

However, on two separate visits to the farm, Five News discovered muddy surroundings and a water-logged sandpit. A Noble Foods worker was recorded admitting the farm has problems with soil drainage and conditions for the hens were different than those officially portrayed.

Justine Kerswell from Viva told Five News: “Contented hens pecking at the ground and enjoying a dust bathe in the sun – that’s most people’s view of free range egg production.

“They even get a ride on the back of a quad bike if you believe the TV advert. Viva And Five News’ investigation into The Happy Egg Company shows a very different picture – one of disease, incarceration, short lives and electric shocks.”

In a statement, Noble Foods said, “Noble Foods takes the treatment of its hens extremely seriously. As soon as we were made aware of the video footage yesterday the company instigated an internal enquiry. Last night, at our request, both farms involved were audited by RSPCA Freedom Food inspectors and both were given very positive reports. We will continue to work with RSPCA Freedom Foods to ensure the highest possible welfare standards across our farms.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA told Five News “There are some potential causes for concern. However, further investigation is required.”

Since Five News showed the footage to the RSPCA and Freedom Food, both farms have been suspended from the Freedom Food scheme pending results of an investigation.

Noble Foods supplies Happy Eggs to supermarkets including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury and Ocado.  Sainsbury welcomed the RSPCA investigation while Ocado have announced they will de-list the Happy Eggs from their range as a precautionary measure after being sent footage by Five News.

British Egg Week runs from 4 – 10 October 2010.