Not necessarily all eggs in general, but specifically all Class A eggs must be stamped.
When it comes to eggs intended for consumers, particularly within regulated markets like the UK and EU, specific rules apply regarding identification. The requirement for stamping applies to a key category of eggs known as "Class A" eggs.
Understanding Class A Eggs
Class A eggs are fresh, clean eggs of high quality, typically sold directly to consumers for consumption. The reference clearly states:
- All Class A eggs have to be marked with a code showing the type of farming system, country of origin and farm production unit.
This regulation ensures traceability and provides consumers with important information about the eggs they purchase. Eggs that do not meet the criteria for Class A (e.g., damaged or lower quality eggs) might be classified differently (like Class B) and are often destined for the food processing industry rather than direct retail sale, and their stamping requirements may differ or be non-existent depending on local regulations and intended use. However, the widely available and consumed Class A eggs are subject to mandatory stamping.
What Information Does the Egg Stamp Include?
The code stamped on Class A eggs provides crucial details. This mandatory information allows consumers and authorities to trace the egg back to its source.
Common elements required on the stamp include:
- Farming System Code: Indicates how the hens were kept (e.g., 0 for organic, 1 for free-range, 2 for barn, 3 for cage).
- Country of Origin Code: A two-letter code indicating the country where the egg was produced (e.g., UK, FR, DE).
- Farm Production Unit Code: A unique code identifying the specific farm the egg came from.
Here's an example of how this information might be structured on an egg:
| Information | Example Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Farming System | 1 | Free-range |
| Country of Origin | UK | United Kingdom |
| Farm Production | 12345 | Specific farm identification number or code |
So, an egg stamp might look like 1UK12345.
This system ensures that consumers can make informed choices based on the production method and can help with traceability in case of food safety concerns. While the reference specifically mandates stamping for Class A eggs, these are the primary eggs sold at retail for consumption, making stamping a very common requirement for the eggs you find in the supermarket.
