In cakes, pasta etc.

Caged eggs can be “hidden” in food

Processed products such as pasta can contain "hidden caged eggs", warns the poultry industry (symbolic image).

(Bild: thinkstockphotos.de (Symbolbild))

Around 60 million eggs are boiled, dyed and eaten in Austria around Easter. Almost all eggs on the market are domestic eggs, but the poultry industry warns of "hidden caged eggs" in processed products such as cakes, pasta and mayonnaise. These come from Ukraine, for example.

"Large quantities of eggs continue to arrive in Austria every day, either fresh or as egg products, especially from caged hens," said Günther Wenninger, Chairman of the Frischei producer association, on Monday. "It is unacceptable that Austrians, who are so concerned about animal welfare and environmental protection, are being deceived in this way."

Own requirements almost completely covered
On Monday, the fresh egg production industry and the Austrian poultry industry called for mandatory origin and farming method labeling for processed products containing eggs, such as cakes and pasta, and not for the first time. In purely mathematical terms, Austrians would already have an almost complete supply of domestic fresh eggs.

Almost only domestic eggs are sold in shops (symbolic image).

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

According to a press release, the rearing of laying hens in Austria is subject to the highest animal welfare and environmental standards in the EU. For example, they are fed with "sustainable, regional" soy and are GMO-free. There is also an Austrian egg database in which the traceability of the eggs is documented. The health-related data of each flock is also recorded.

"If the framework conditions such as origin, the way the hens are kept and moderate handling are consciously taken into account as part of a healthy diet, the egg acquires an indispensable status in the kitchen," the producers and many chefs agree.