In Spain, free-range eggs have disappeared but the premium price is still there

In an unprecedented outbreak of avian influenza, free-range hens are now being forced to confinement in enclosed sheds. This is done in order for the spread of disease to be slowed down. OCU (the Consumers and Users Organisation of Spain) claims that the price difference between free range eggs and conventional egg is still 27 percent higher. The OCU, or the Consumers and Users Organisation of Spain, has demanded on its website “consumers are informed clearly and transparently so they know exactly what they’re paying for.”

Free-range eggs effectively no longer exist … but their price sure does

In the last year, eggs have experienced the highest price spike of any food item in the country; a dozen eggs have become more expensive by €1, with 12 farm-laid, or conventional, eggs costing an average of €3.25, and free-range eggs costing €4.13 per dozen.

It is not helping that the recent outbreak of bird flu has been ravaging the country. To prevent its spread, drastic measures were taken, such as culling millions laying hens over the past few months, and an order in November ordering all birds raised outside to be confined. The change in supply and demand is likely to have a major impact, which will lead directly to price increases.

Why do free-range egg prices tend to be higher?

The free-range hens are also locked in, so they cannot roam around freely. This is why their eggs are so expensive. Their access to nature can result in richer yolks and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as more vitamins like A, E and beta-carotene due to a more varied diet. The price of free-range eggs is also higher due to the fact that they require more work. The cost of keeping free-range chickens is higher due to their mortality rate, the increased feed costs, and the additional space required. The name and price of free range eggs are neither justified nor justifiable after the chicken crackdown.

Catching the European Regulations

European regulations have a different perspective. In certain circumstances, it is permissible to sell eggs as “free range” or “organic”, with no changes made to packaging, labeling or codes printed on the eggshell (a 0 represents an organic, while a one represents a “free range” egg). The law allows for the sale of free-range eggs without any changes to the packaging, labeling or code printed on the shell (a 0 identifies an organic egg, whereas a 1 represents a non-organic egg).

OCU fights back for consumers: ‘Solutions must be found’

The OCU stated on its website that the extra cost does not reflect any real differences in the production systems and raises serious concerns about fair pricing. The prices of organic and free-range eggs were almost the same, in some cases even decreasing slightly in November and Decembre. They are still significantly more expensive than eggs from hens that lay their eggs in barns, even though the production costs are almost the same.

The OCU emphasizes that it is important to find solutions in order for consumers to be protected. The OCU website states that “At OCU, We have contacted Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in order to request similar measures to those adopted by 2022.”

In addition, the OCU requested that:

• Review and modify existing regulations
• Even in crises, it is important to provide clear information to the consumer
• Set up mandatory communication mechanisms at the point of sale and on packaging

The bird flu virus has spread to Spain and killed hundreds of wild birds as well as captive birds

On Tuesday, December 9th, officials of the Madrid Community released a press release confirming that hundreds of wild Storks died of bird flu in Getafe.

ECDC also warned that the virus was only one major mutation from infecting humans, even though the risk is “very small”. Despite the fact that no cases of infection in humans have yet been recorded in Europe; more than 100 people, mostly US farmers, have contracted bird flu over the past year.

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