EMZETT.Egg labelling: understanding the code on the egg
In short: The stamp on the egg reveals the farming method (first digit), country of origin and farm; 0 means organic, 1 free-range, 2 barn, 3 enriched cages.
In more detail: In the EU every class A egg must be stamped. A code such as 2-DE-0356352 holds three pieces of information.
In Depth
Reading the code
- First digit: farming method. 0 = organic, 1 = free range, 2 = barn, 3 = enriched cages (phased out in Germany since 2025).
- Two letters: country, for example DE Germany, NL Netherlands, PL Poland.
- Remaining digits: farm (in Germany federal state and barn number), so an egg can be traced back to the barn. The packaging also shows grade, weight class (S, M, L, XL), best-before date and packing centre.
Farming methods
- Organic (0): outdoor access, organic feed, smaller groups, fewer birds per barn, EU organic regulation rules.
- Free range (1): outdoor access for at least part of the day.
- Barn (2): indoor barn without outdoor access, birds move freely inside. Seals and retailers’ animal welfare labels add to this; the digit stays the most reliable statement.
Freshness and safety
- Best-before is at most 28 days after laying. Store eggs cool (below 20 °C, preferably in the fridge).
- Do not wash shells (destroys the protective film).
- Freshness test: in a glass of water a fresh egg sinks, an old one stands up or floats.
- Salmonella: avoid raw eggs and dishes made from them (tiramisu, mayonnaise) for pregnant women, children and the elderly; cook/bake eggs at least 10 minutes.
- Processed eggs (pasta, pastries) carry no stamp; look for farming information on the pack.
See also: Organic seals and food labels, Storing food correctly