The ABCs in egg quality

Poland joining the EU brought many changes to customers - and these were changes for the better.

Starting May 1, 2004 the egg production is constrained with a set of legal regulations which aim at keeping the customers well informed about the product.

Starting May 1, 2004, egg manufacturers must apply the following proceedures under EU laws:

• label boxes with method of production for all Grade A eggs
• label all shells with manufacturer's ID, country of origin and method of production for all Grade A eggs<
• the eggs must be stamped with an ID at the farm or at the very latest, at the first packing centre
• eggs from outside the EU which do not conform with EU laws must be labelled as not conforming with EU laws, including country of origin
• all layers and packing centers must be controlled at least on a yearly basis
  

Starting July 1, 2005 labelling eggs accepted for retailing (putting the manufacturer's ID on the shell) becomes obligatory. This does not apply for retailing directly at the manufacturer’s facility - assuming that the eggs will not be graded for their weight.

Eggs graded a Polish grade of B and C are to be reclassified as 2nd quality or not classified and meant for the food industry use only.

Washed eggs must be marked as such and may be marketed for a period of 3 years under condition they comply with all regulations for Grade A. Such eggs are not authorised to be exported.

Labelling - the boxes

Under EU laws the egg boxes must carry:

• Best before date of no more than 28 days after laying, placed at the moment of packing, as well as advice to keep refrigerated after purchase
• Packer's name, address and packing centre number (i.e. PL - XXXXX, with the "X"s being the ID)
• Number
• Quality class
• Method of production (free range eggs / deep litter eggs / eggs from caged hens)
• Weight class
  
  

Labelling - the shells

The shell must bear the aforementioned manufacturer's ID as well as the country of origin and method of production.
For instance, a 3-PL-44444 means the country of origin is Poland and the method of production is battery eggs (caged hens). The 44444 is a veterinary number.

One may also provide optional information such as a best before date, method of feeding the layers etc.

Jantex Eggs and the EU Laws

We can asssure you that all eggs bearing our trade mark meet the aforementioned EU requirements which means that selecting them you will get quality products wich are
safe and healthy.