Decoding the Meaning Behind Egg Codes

The Importance of Egg Codes

Eggs are an essential food in our daily diet, but the ones found at the supermarket often have a particular feature that can be puzzling.
We are faced with a series of codes imprinted on the shell that may seem indecipherable.
Understanding the meaning of these codes not only helps us make more informed choices but can also improve the quality of our diet.

Decoding the Egg Codes

The code printed on eggs consists of a series of numbers and letters that provide detailed information about the origin and production method of the eggs.
The first digit of the code indicates the type of hen farming:

• 0: Organic Farming
• 1: Free-Range Farming
• 2: Barn-Floor Farming
• 3: Cage Farming

The following two letters indicate the country of origin, for example, “IT” for Italy.
This is followed by a code representing the ISTAT code of the province (followed by that of the municipality) where the farm is located.
The last numbers of the code specifically identify the farm.
This information is crucial for tracing the origin of the eggs if needed.

Categories for Recognizing Weight and Freshness

Eggs are also classified based on weight:

• S: Small (less than 53 grams)
• M: Medium (53-62 grams)
• L: Large (63-72 grams)
• XL: Extra-Large (over 73 grams)

They are also categorized by freshness into three categories:

• Category A: Fresh eggs for direct consumption
• Category B: Lower quality eggs for the food industry
• Category C: Downgraded eggs used for other industrial purposes

If you see “Extra” on the label, you have very fresh eggs, laid at most 9 days ago.
These eggs have a deposition date on the packaging.
Note that by law, the expiration date for all eggs is a maximum of 28 days from the deposition date.

Choosing the Right Eggs

The choice of eggs depends on your dietary needs and ethical preferences.
Organic (code 0) and free-range (code 1) eggs are generally considered better for both the well-being of the hens and the quality of the product.
Barn-floor (code 2) eggs are seen as an acceptable compromise by many consumers due to their more affordable price.
Cage-farmed eggs (code 3) are the least recommended ethically and in terms of animal welfare.

Understanding the meaning of egg codes allows us to make more informed food choices and support more sustainable and animal-friendly farming methods.
Next time you purchase eggs, take a moment to read and interpret the codes: you will know exactly what you are putting in your cart and on your plate.