Andrew Turner has signalled his support for the RSPCA Freedom Food ‘Simply Ask’ Campaign by signing a giant egg in Westminster. Freedom Food is the RSPCA’s scheme for the welfare of farm animals and ‘Simply Ask’ aims to encourage people to ask where food is sourced when they eat out. The campaign is starting off by promoting non-battery produced eggs.

Many people will no longer buy eggs from battery hens at the supermarket and four major chains have stopped selling them altogether (Co-op, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose). However, 80% of whole and liquid eggs used in restaurants, pubs and cafes and in ready-prepared products are laid by hens kept in small cages.

New research has revealed that many people would boycott a restaurant that could not answer questions about where their products come from.

The Island’s MP, Mr Turner, said:
“There is evidence that eggs from caged hens are more likely to be infected with salmonella. Free range hens, with access to open fields, are healthier as they can move freely and display their natural behaviour. Caged hens have no perch or litter to peck at and no space to flap their wings, make nests or move properly. They suffer from behavioural problems due to boredom and frustration from being unable to behave naturally. .

“Their high-calcium diets and lack of exercise cause a painful condition which leads to broken bones.

“Many people, who care deeply about their food and the lives of farm animals, wouldn’t dream of buying battery eggs for use at home. Yet they feel reluctant to ask questions about their food when eating out. This campaign urges them to overcome their reservations and ‘Simply Ask’ the restaurant what sort of eggs they are using.”

The campaign has already attracted the support of celebrity chefs who use cage-free eggs such as Raymond Blanc, Peter Gordon, Martin Lam, Paul Merrett and Antony Worrall-Thompson who issued a joint statement saying:
“The more people ask about food provenance and demand higher welfare products like those with the Freedom Food label, the more chefs will use them, and the more farm animals will benefit from a better standard of living.”
“The message is simple: ‘Simply Ask’ what eggs are being used next time you eat out and help make a difference to the lives of millions of hens.”
‘Simply Ask’ will extend to other species as the campaign progresses.

Attached : Photo of Andrew Turner signing the Simply Ask giant egg.
END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
RSPCA’s press office on 0300 123 0134/0244 or 0207 630 6633.