BFREPA CEO Robert Gooch said: “Removing the current import tariffs on eggs presents an enormous risk to British free range egg farmers who lead the world in animal welfare and food safety standards.

“Removing this essential safeguard effectively opens the floodgates for eggs produced to standards that are illegal in this country to come pouring in if a no-deal Brexit materialises.

“With lower standards comes a cheaper product which threatens to displace British eggs.

“My members are angry and frustrated at being told in one breath to continue to make strides in improving animal welfare standards and in the next told that cheap eggs produced to lower standards are going to be allowed in through the front door.”