They are particularly concerned that without sufficient tariffs, eggs and egg products will be imported from third countries which do not meet basic hen welfare requirements, allowing them to undercut domestic egg production.

The British Egg Industry, Compassion UK and the RSPCA wrote to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Environment Secretary George Eustice asking for support for egg producers post Brexit. But in a joint statement, the Government – while making it clear that it was committed to upholding high environmental, food safety and animal welfare standards after leaving the EU – also highlighted the importance of processed eggs in the UK market. “In developing our approach to future trade and upholding domestic standards, we are mindful of the importance processed eggs and similar products play in the market,” it said.