The RSPCA has discovered that the majority of Britons remain oblivious to a concealed danger lurking in their meals.

During the Easter holiday period, restaurant patrons could be inadvertently consuming products containing imported eggs from poultry kept in systems that are prohibited domestically, such as battery enclosures.

Although such enclosures were outlawed across Britain in 2012, eggs produced under these conditions continue to enter the country and be served to diners.

Kelly Grellier, who serves as chief commercial officer at RSPCA Assured, expressed concern that despite Britain’s reputation as a nation of animal enthusiasts, consumers carefully scrutinise egg labels in retail environments yet abandon these concerns the moment they enter a dining establishment. She pointed out that the current framework leaves consumers unaware and potentially eating imported products of poor animal welfare standards that they would normally reject.

At present, catering businesses, taverns and coffee shops face no regulatory obligation to reveal the provenance or farming methods of eggs incorporated into their recipes.

Research from RSPCA Assured indicates that over four fifths of individuals examine egg packaging in supermarkets, yet merely four percent consistently inquire about sourcing when visiting food service establishments.

Both the RSPCA and the National Farmers Union are urging ministers to incorporate fundamental animal welfare requirements into legislation and trade discussions, ensuring that any sanitary and phytosanitary deal with the European Union does not result in British egg and pig farming being displaced to other countries.