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Short Guide to Egg Labeling in EU

Short Guide to Egg Labeling in EU

When you buy eggs in Europe, have you noticed the label, directly on the eggshell? Have you ever wondered what those labels on eggs mean? This ‘Short Guide to Egg Labeling in EU’ can help with the meaning of labels on Eggs in Germany and other European countries.

Egg labeling in the EU is an important part of the egg industry. The egg code stamped on the eggshell provides consumers with important information about the eggs they are purchasing, including the country of production, the producer, the production method, and the date of production. The EU has strict regulations regarding egg labeling, including the information that must be included on the label and the method used to stamp the egg code on the eggshell. By understanding the egg code and the husbandry system used to produce the eggs, consumers can make informed purchasing decisions. Let’s dive in!

Egg Labeling in the European Union (EU)

Egg labeling in the European Union (EU) is an essential part of the egg industry. The EU has strict regulations regarding egg labeling, including the information that must be included on the label and the method used to stamp the egg code on the eggshell. In this guide, we will describe what egg labeling is, explain the egg code that is stamped on the eggshell, describe the husbandry system used to produce the eggs, and cite the relevant EU laws.

What is Egg Labeling?

Egg labeling is the process of placing information about the eggs on the packaging. The information included on the label must be clear, accurate, and easy to understand. In the EU, egg labeling is regulated by the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation No. 1169/2011.

Egg Code

In Europe, an egg code is stamped on the egg shell. The laws bring transparency to origin and method of production.

The Egg Code contains 3 sections:

  • Husbandry system or method of production: Helps distinguish free range eggs and organic farming eggs, for example
  • Country of origin: Helps identify country of origin and provides transparency
  • Producer code: The producer code has been regulated by law, and consists of the codes and letters provided for in point 2 of the Annex to Directive 2002/4/EC. All eggs are marked directly in the barn with a stamp, the producer code.
Egg Code Stamped on the Eggshell | Foodcazt | What is Egg Labeling?
Egg Code Stamped on the Eggshell

(Image Source: Wikipedia)

Example:

2-DE-0523052 is a number that you might find stamped on your egg.

Husbandry System

0 = Organic

1 = Free-range husbandry

2 = Barn

3 = Cage system housing

Country of origin (not full list)

DE = Germany

FR = France

DK = Denmark

NL = Netherlands

AT = Austria

IT = Italy

SE = Sweden

GR = Greece

BE = Belgium

LU = Luxembourg

ES = Spain

Laying Company Identity

A 7-digit code that identifies the laying company. In most countries the registration number starts with a region code where the egg production facilities are situated.

So, for example, in Germany, the starting numbers might provide transparency on origin (states):

01 Schleswig-Holstein

02 Hamburg

03 Lower Saxony

04 Bremen

05 North Rhine-Westphalia

06 Hesse

07 Rhineland-Palatinate

08 Baden-Württemberg

09 Bavaria

11 Berlin

12 Brandenburg

13 Mecklenburg-West Pomerania

14 Saxony

15 Saxony-Anhalt

16 Thuringia

Organic eggs are produced in accordance with the EU regulation on organic farming. Free-range husbandry involves providing the hens with access to an outdoor area, while barn eggs are produced in a barn system where the hens have limited access to an outdoor area. Cage system housing involves keeping hens in cages, which is not permitted in the EU.

Relevant EU Laws

The EU has several laws that regulate egg labeling, including:

Now when you buy eggs, you can look at the label and know exactly where the eggs come from!

Also See: Short Guide to Chicken in the Market

Thank you for reading our ‘Short Guide to Egg Labeling in EU’. If you liked this article, please give it a thumbs up and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us improve our content. Thank you so much!

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