Shedding light on free-range fraud

Nineteen out of 50 eggs tested by Derbyshire Trading Standards had problems. Two of the eggs taken out of 50 sample boxes were falsely described as free range and one was falsely described as being from barn-raised hens when all three were actually from caged birds. Officers used ultra-violet light to reveal shell marks from cage production.

Eleven were missing information about producer, packer, best-before date, size grade or information which should be included on eggs or packaging.

Four were too old or cracked or dirty for sale and two were smaller than claimed.

Derbyshire County Council said: "Officers issued advice to help nine businesses in Derbyshire stick to the law. Other cases have been referred to the Egg Marketing Inspectorate at Defra."