What do the codes on the egg mean?
What do the codes on the egg mean?
Codes on the egg; Provides production method, country, farm and freshness information.
Understanding the Codes on Egg Shells
On the shells of eggs sold in markets or grocery stores, there is a series of codes. These codes provide information about the production conditions, origin, and quality standards of the eggs. For egg consumers, knowing the meaning of these codes helps make informed choices. If you are curious about how egg cartons are produced, you can read our article on Egg Carton Production and examine these egg carton machines. These machines produce by forming with egg carton molds.
Meaning of the Codes on Egg Shells
The codes on egg shells contain four main pieces of information:
- Production Method: Indicates the conditions under which the hens were raised.
- Country Code: Shows the country in which the egg was produced.
- Farm Code: Identifies the specific farm where the egg was produced.
- Best Before Date: Specifies the last date by which the egg should be consumed while fresh.
Production Method Codes
The first number on the egg code gives information about the production method and is classified as follows:
| Code | Production Method |
|---|---|
| 0 | Organic Farming |
| 1 | Free Range |
| 2 | Barn System |
| 3 | Cage System |
These codes allow consumers to understand the living conditions of the hens during the production process.
Country Code
The country code is a two-letter code that appears immediately after the production method number, indicating the country of production. For example, eggs produced in Turkey are labeled with the code "TR".
Farm Code
The farm code consists of a series of numbers and letters following the country code. This code identifies the specific farm where the egg was produced and is organized according to the local production tracking system. Farm codes are essential for traceability.
Egg Quality and Freshness Grades
Eggs are classified in terms of freshness and quality, which is indicated by the grade and expiration information on the label:
- Grade A: Fresh eggs typically sold in supermarkets.
- Grade B: Eggs that are no longer fresh but suitable for processing.
- Best Before Date: Indicates the last date the egg should be consumed safely.
The codes on egg shells contain key information about the production method, country, farm information, and best-before date. Consumers can review these codes to make more informed choices and opt for products that prioritize animal welfare.