Trading standards leaflets

Ref: 166478

Retail sale and labelling of eggs

All eggs sold at retail level must be stamped with a code describing the type of farming method used, the country of origin, and the production site's individual code. Loose eggs must be accompanied with details of the packing station number, quality grade, weight grade, type of farming method, best before date, storage conditions, and explanation of the code stamped on the egg.

Packed eggs in small boxes should show the same information as well as the name and address of the packer and the number of eggs in the pack. There are specific requirements for the labelling of free range eggs and barn eggs, storage conditions, and weight grades of eggs.

In the guide
Markings stamped on eggs
Labelling accompanying eggs at retail level
'Sell by' date
Method of farming and special marketing terms (SMTs)
Storage
Weight grades of eggs
Egg Marketing Inspectorate
Eggs sold direct

Markings stamped on eggs
All eggs sold at retail level must be stamped with a code describing the type of farming method used, the country of origin, and the production site's individual code.

For example, 3UK12345 would relate to the information required as follows:

  • 3 - the method of farming:
    - 0 (organic)
    - 1 (free range)
    - 2 (barn)
    - 3 (caged hens)
  • UK - the country of origin
  • 12345 - the production site code, provided to the packer on registration with the Egg Marketing Inspectorate

Labelling accompanying eggs at retail level
There are some differences between the labelling required for packed eggs sold at retail and loose eggs sold at retail.

Graded packed AND loose eggs sold from trays must be accompanied by the following information:

  • quality grade (Grade A for retail)
  • weight grade
  • type of farming method with number code (see above). These markings may be added to the producer's number or code. The information, including the producer's distinguishing code, can be explained on a separate notice for clarification
  • best before/B.B (maximum 28 days from date of laying)
  • appropriate directions for storage, such as 'keep refrigerated after purchase'
  • explanation of the code stamped on the eggs (see above)

Packed eggs sold at retail must additionally show:

  • name of product, 'eggs', and number of eggs unless this can be easily determined from outside the package
  • name and address of packer or seller
  • packing centre code

Eggs can only be packed into boxes by a registered packing station. Unmarked boxes may be provided for customers' convenience for sales of loose eggs.

Mixed pre-packed eggs (not including 'extra' sized eggs), where packs contain eggs of different sizes, should additionally show:

  • an indication as to the various sizes contained OR a declaration 'eggs of different sizes'
  • minimum net weight of the eggs in that pack

For all types of packed eggs, the pack may also be labelled with the following information:

  • the selling price
  • the packing and/or laying date
  • providing the information is not misleading, a trader name, advertising or statements designed to improve egg sales
  • information as to the origin of the eggs
  • information as to how the hens were fed

'Sell by' date
There is no legal requirement to have a sell by date on eggs, but there is a legal obligation to ensure that eggs, whether loose or packed, are sold within 21 days of laying, and a sell by date may help you to achieve this.

Method of farming and special marketing terms (SMTs)
The method of farming relating to the stamped code can be indicated using the wording below, where applicable. These descriptions also apply if you wish to voluntarily describe your eggs when selling from your premises or door-to-door:

  • free range eggs
  • barn eggs
  • eggs from caged birds

If the eggs have not been produced in accordance with the methods set out for free range eggs or barn eggs, then they are automatically classed as eggs from caged hens.

Since 1 January 2012 laying hens may no longer be kept in cages that only meet the requirements of the 'conventional cage' system. More information about this is contained within the Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Laying Hens, which is available on the Defra website.

FREE RANGE EGGS
Eggs described as 'free range' must be produced in poultry establishments in which the hens have:

  • continuous daytime access to open air runs
  • access to ground mainly covered with vegetation
  • at least four square metres of ground available per bird

In addition, there are requirements in relation to the hens' housing and fittings.

BARN EGGS
Barn eggs must be produced in a poultry establishment where the hens:

  • are provided with at least 15cm perch space per hen
  • have floor space providing at least one square metre for every nine chickens
  • comply with requirements relating to the hens' housing and fittings

If you need further advice about the other descriptions of methods of farming, or the hens housing requirements, please contact the Egg Marketing Inspectorate.

Storage:

  • eggs should be kept chilled, and protected from changes to, and extremes of, temperature - between 5°C and 17°C is suitable
  • they should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from other goods which might flavour them, such as onions or washing powder
  • stock must be rotated to ensure that it remains within the stated weight and quality grade
  • visibly cracked eggs should not be sold

Weight grades of eggs
Only the following weight grades are permitted for eggs - no other terms may be used to describe the weights of eggs on retail sale:

  • XL or Very Large are eggs from 73g upwards
  • L or Large are eggs from 63-73g
  • M or Medium are eggs from 53-63g
  • S or Small are eggs below 53g

Egg Marketing Inspectorate
This department is covered by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) , an executive agency of Defra and operates through regional Egg Marketing Inspectorates. Further information relating to the above legislation, and advice on registering as a packer can currently be found on the Defra website.

Eggs sold direct
For the sale of eggs by the producer directly to the consumer - for example, from the farm gate - please see our separate leaflet 'A guide for producers of eggs selling directly to consumers'.

Please note
This leaflet is not an authoritative interpretation of the law and is intended only for guidance. Any legislation referred to, while still current, may have been amended from the form in which it was originally enacted. Please contact us for further information.

Relevant legislation
Food Labelling Regulations 1996
Eggs and Chicks (England) Regulations 2009

Last reviewed/updated: December 2012

© 2013 itsa Ltd on behalf of the Trading Standards Institute.