A Kent-based egg packing business has been prosecuted after inspectors discovered a batch had been unlawfully re-labelled with extended ‘best before’ dates.

Barradale Eggs Ltd, based in Maidstone Road, Headcorn, was taken to court following an inspection by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which revealed the tampering.

The poultry farm and egg packing wholesaler was found guilty of breaching marketing legislation and ordered to pay a fine of £466, along with £85 in costs, following a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on March 24.

The case forms part of a wider investigation into fraudulent practices across the egg packing industry in the UK, carried out by APHA’s egg marketing inspectors in collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) counter fraud and investigation team.

Between January and March this year, several prosecutions were brought against individuals and businesses for re-packing eggs and altering their ‘best before’ dates - an offence under the egg marketing regulations.

Among those prosecuted was Phillip Hoyland of Summerley Top Farm in Derbyshire, who pleaded guilty to fraud on March 31. He was given a 24-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

In another case, Field Farm Eggs in South Newbald, East Yorkshire, was fined £1,000 after being found guilty of two offences related to re-packing class A eggs with altered expiry dates.

Holyfield Farm Fresh Eggs Ltd, based in North London, admitted three charges at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on January 20 and was fined £2,000.

Aled Edwards, Head of England Field Delivery at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said: “It’s essential that consumers can trust the eggs they purchase are fresh, safe to eat, and clearly and accurately labelled.

“These cases demonstrate our robust enforcement procedures.

“I welcome these sentences from the courts and hope they will act as a deterrent to others.”

All egg packing centres in the UK must comply with strict labelling rules and wider legislation covering animal welfare and environmental standards.

The agency is urging anyone with serious concerns about livestock welfare to report issues immediately by calling 03000 200 301 or emailing customeradvice@apha.gov.uk.