To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the results have been of the investigations by his Department and others into the allegations of incorrect labelling of free-range eggs as announced in his news release of 15 November 2006; and if he will make a statement. (180795)

Investigations into possible criminal activities are continuing.

The news release of 15 November 2006 announced that DEFRA had become concerned about possible illegal practice in the egg industry. In the course of investigations information had come to light that eggs had been incorrectly labelled, including the labelling of non-free range eggs as free range. The Government called on the egg industry and retailers to ensure that the eggs they are selling are correctly labelled. The Egg Marketing Inspectorate are continuing to focus their activities in this area, to ensure that any eggs marketed in this country are correctly identified.