Labeling of eggs

Like all food products, in the EU, chicken eggs must be correctly labeled to provide consumers with sufficient information about the product before they buy it.
The labeling of eggs is regulated throughout the EU in Regulation (EC) No. 589/2008. In addition, supplementary labeling requirements result from Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011.
The mandatory information must be legible, understandable, clearly visible and, if necessary, permanently placed. In the case of raw chicken eggs, the following information must appear on the packaging:

• Name of the food
• Number of eggs
• Best before date
• Instructions for storage and use
• Name or company name with address of the food business operator
• Quality grade
• weight class
• type of farming
• Identification number of the packing station
• Explanation of the producer code and producer code (stamp on the egg)

What is the producer code?

The producer code is printed directly on the egg shell and gives information about the farming method, country of origin and identification number of the farm.
The code starts with a number for the farming method:

• 0 = Organic production
• 1 = Free range
• 2 = barn
• 3 = Cage rearing

It is followed by the country code where the egg was produced. For example, "DE" is printed on the egg for Germany and "AT" for Austria.
Then comes a number that identifies exactly from which farm the eggs come.

What is the quality grade?

The quality class provides information about the quality of the eggs. Here a distinction is made between:

• Grade A: All eggs that are available for consumers to purchase in supermarkets have grade A quality. These eggs must not be cleaned, preserved or sold refrigerated.
• Grade B: These are second quality eggs intended for corporate use.

What is the weight grade?

Raw chicken eggs are classified by weight into the following weight classes:

XL: ≥ 73g
L: 63 to < 73g
M: 53 to < 63g
S: < 53g

Tentamus Group's labeling experts can support you

Our Tentamus Group labeling experts can advise you on the labeling of your eggs and verify it. We also offer the full range of egg analysis services to help you bring marketable products to market.

If you have any questions about our service, please feel free to contact us. Our expert will be happy to help you.

Stefanie Hirsch
+49 30 206 038 388
labelling@tentamus.com