As part of our approach to more responsible food consumption, called "A TABLE,"we have been moving towards sourcinghigher quality eggs that are more respectful of animal welfare for several years now.
Free-range eggs: an important issue for consumers
For several years now, consumers have been showing increasing sensitivity to animal welfare issues. With this in mind, many of them prefer eggs from hens that have been raised outdoors.
Several figures highlight this trend:
• 89% of French people are in favor of banning cage farming of chickens*
• 62% of French people prefer organic and free-range chicken farming methods, regardless of price**
• 88% of French people find the information on how chickens are raised, printed on egg cartons in stores, helpful, and 86% say they feel reassured by this information**.
Our concrete commitments regarding free-range eggs
For several years now, Grands Moulins de Paris has already been transitioning to eggs and egg products sourced from alternative farming methods that do not involve cages.
Today, our commitment goes even further, with 100% of the egg products needed to manufacture our milling products, Francine products, and products for our professional customers sourced from French free-range farms.
On the side of Francine, these commitments concern two product ranges that include eggs in their ingredients: brioche flour and mixes (for crepes, pancakes, and waffles).
About Mon Moulin recipes, eggs and egg products are gradually being switched to free-range eggs. The goal is to have all of the brand's products meet this requirement by 2025.
A process that spans several years
Anne-Vanessa PROFIZI, Product Innovation Director, explains that"this process will take several years, with various milestones along the way. This will enable free-range farming operations to be set up, guaranteeing us a high-quality, secure supply."
She also emphasizes the importance of rigor in this type of procurement because"it involves an entire industry, so we must ensure that each link in the chain fulfills its role in order to maintain collective commitment."
A process that spans several years
The switch to free-range eggs also requiredsignificant upstream sourcing work,the ins and outs of which are explained byIsabelle ETOURNEAU, Raw Materials & Ingredients Purchasing Manager:
"We select our suppliers based on their technological capabilities, reputation, and reliability, in accordance with our requirements in terms of food safety and traceability, and of course their ability to deliver to us in accordance with the negotiated purchasing conditions.
Alternative farming systems have required significant reforms since their introduction and major investments by farmers in order to comply with current legislation and animal welfare standards. As such, we have transitioned to these alternative methods in a planned manner with our current powdered egg supplier: free-range from July 1, 2020, and open-air from July 1, 2021. This is the only supplier in France that can guarantee us open-air eggs from contract farming.
These contracts comply with very specific specifications and specific farming methods. These include, for example, standards concerning the size and exposure of buildings, stocking density, transport methods (which must ensure biosecurity), production management, cleaning, etc. They also cover regulations on nests, perches, chicken runs, and even their feed.
These farms are regularly inspected and traceability can be ensured, from the shelled egg at the supplier (scanned before breaking) to the hatcheries. Factory and farm visits can be arranged if necessary to better understand the constraints of the industry.
Update March 2022:
The epidemic situation relating to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on national territory has necessitated the confinement of poultry since September 10, 2021, for the first departments affected.
European regulations (Regulation 2017/2168, amending Regulation 589/2008) allow the label "eggs from free-range hens" to remain on products for a maximum continuous period of 16 weeks from the date on which the laying hens were confined.
With the agreement of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (DGCCRF) has granted France an exemption allowing the label "eggs from free-range hens" to remain on packaging beyond the expiry date of the period covered by European Union regulations and throughout the period of application of the poultry confinement measures imposed by the health authorities.
*Study conducted by YouGov for L214 / February 2018
**Consultation conducted by INC and CNA on labeling farming methods / May 2019
