Egg Labelling

What does this leaflet cover?
What you need to know or do in the retail sale of hens' eggs which are:

produced on your own farm, or
bought in to be sold loose, or
bought in to be sold packaged.

The leaflet does NOT cover requirements for non-retail sales or for Registered Packers. These are the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DEFRA (formerly MAFF), Egg Marketing Inspectorate.

How can I sell my own eggs?

Eggs can be sold directly to consumers without the producer/packer being registered with DEFRA (formerly MAFF) if the sale is:

a) from his own farm, or
b) in a local public market, or
c) by door-to-door selling, provided that the Class descriptions and weight grades are not used,
d) An indication of 'best before', which is no more than 28 days from the date of lay must, however, be given.

You must be registered if you sell to others to sell.

How must eggs be labelled when sold in packages?

The minimum labelling required on a retail egg box is illustrated. The box may also be labelled with:

a) a trade name,
b) advertising material,
c) a sell by date not more than 21 days from lay
d) the selling price, barcoding,
e) one of the following descriptions:

i) Free range eggs
ii) Semi-intensive eggs
iii) Deep Litter eggs
iv) Perchery eggs (Barn Eggs)

f) packing date

How must eggs be labelled when sold loose by a retailer?

Each keyes tray, or group of trays, should be marked with a notice clearly stating:
a) the weight grade (only those as shown for boxes below)
b) the quality class (usually class A)
c) the Registered Number of the Packing station, or packers name and address
d) 'best before' indication
e) keep refrigerated after purchase
f) the country of origin if imported from a non-EC State
g) details of any previous refrigeration or preservation
The information should be on the boxes/invoices from your supplier. Retailers should not pack eggs into small boxes.

Deliveries to the Retailer
Large packs containing keyes trays or small pre-packs must be labelled with similar information as described for small pre-packs.
Eggs on keyes trays not in large packs require a document stating, name, address and number of the packing centre, and the number, quality grade, weight grade and best before date of the eggs. Retailers must only sell eggs originating at a Registered Packing Station.

Are there any special rules for free range, semi-intensive, deep litter, perchery (barn) eggs?
Yes - eggs may only be described as such if they were produced on premises meeting the requirements of the Eggs Marketing Standards Regulations and similarly for all eggs can be prepackaged only at Registered Packing Stations.
It is not permitted for retailers to describe eggs, on keyes trays, as free range or other description even if they were produced on premises meeting the required standard, unless each individual egg is stamped with the appropriate description. (The latter does not apply to producers selling from their farm or stall.)

How should I store and handle my eggs?
You should keep them cool (between 5 C and 17 C) but preferably not refrigerated; even so they are unlikely to remain Class A for longer than 3 weeks even if protected from changes and extremes of temperature. Keep out of direct sunlight. Small cracks will cause them to deteriorate and lose weight quickly so handle them as little possible.
You should rotate your stock and ensure they remain the stated weight grade and Class.
You must not sell visibly cracked eggs.

You commit an offence by selling eggs which are stale or old or of the wrong weight grade, or other incorrect information.

SPECIAL NOTE

It is an offence to sell or possess for sale eggs which are more than 21 days past laying.
To assist in determining this date the eggs may be labelled with a "sell by" date.
For eggs the "Best Before" date is consumer information and is a maximum of 28 days past laying.
If only the "Best Before" date is available then the best advice is to remove the eggs from sale 7 days before that date.
Extra and Extra Fresh labels on small packs must be marked with an "until date"; if not, the label or stock must be removed 7 days after packing or 9 days after laying.

These notes are for guidance only and do not represent an authoritative interpretation of the law which can only be given by the Courts.

More information/Disclaimer

Leicestershire County Council's Trading Standards Service produces 'Business Matters' a quarterly trader newsletter and Business Bulletins which are distributed to alert traders of issues affecting their business. If you would like any advice or information please contact the Duty Officer on (0116) 305 8000 or submit an online enquiry form.

Signing Service for the deaf available by appointment.

Whilst the Trading Standards Service has made every effort to ensure that the advice you have received is accurate, the County Council cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any claims arising under any statute or common law except where such claims arise under any negligence of the County Council.

Egg Labelling

further information