EU

Eggs Marketing Standards

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Summary Description

Imposes method-of-production labelling for shell eggs.

Species

Egg laying hens

Jurisdiction

EU

Sub-Jurisdiction

N/A

Type of Act

Regulation

Status

Under revision

Legal Value

Binding

Date Enacted

2008

Date Updated

June, 2023

Official Citation

Commission Regulation 589/2008 of 23 June 2008Laying Down Detailed Rules for Implementing Council Regulation 1234/2007 as Regards Marketing Standards for Eggs, 2008, O.J. L 163/6 - 23 (EU)

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Requires producers to disclose the egg laying hens' housing systems by way of a code on all table eggs sold in the EU, indicating whether the eggs are originating from egg-laying hens kept in cages (code 3), cage-free indoor (code 2), cage-free with outdoor access (code 1), or organic standards, with outdoor access to an enriched outdoor space (code 0).
  • Applies to all shell eggs sold in the EU, including imported shell eggs form non-EU countries.

Weaknesses

  • The rule only applies to shell eggs and therefore excludes egg products in prepared food.

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