In order to identify the origin of eggs, since 2004 all chicken eggs produced in the European Union must bear a code on the shell to allow traceability to the farm.
The code consists of the following letters and numbers:
- Type of farming
0: organic – uses hens of hardy breeds from organic farms. Sheds used as night shelter with a density of no more than 6 hens per m². Free access to outdoor areas with a minimum area of 4 m2 per head. Very important, the feed consists of organic feed of controlled origin, mainly maize and cereals;
1: free-range – areas like organic farming but feed must not be organic.
2: free range – hens kept in large sheds with artificial light and a density of no more than 9 animals per m²;
3: caged – hens are kept in metal cages with an area of 750 cm² (20% larger than an A4 sheet), 45 cm high, lit by artificial light and with a high stocking density. - Abbreviation of the country of origin (example: DE for Germany).
- ISTAT code of the municipality where the farm is located (3 digits).
- Abbreviation of the province where the breeding farm is located.
- Code of the breeding farm.
The municipality code and the abbreviation of the province vary from country to country (in some it is an abbreviation, in others a number, etc.).
The following information must be included on the packaging:
- name, address and producer code
- number of eggs and/or weight
- day or period of laying
- type of farming with the following wording:
> “organic eggs” (link to article on different types of farming)
> “free range eggs” (link to article on different types of farming)
> “free range eggs” (link to article on different types of farming)
> “cage eggs” (link to article on different types of farming)
Class B eggs, which are not considered suitable for direct consumption, do not have to be stamped, but the packs must be marked with a red band or label.
The Editorial Staff of M.A.C.
