Commission Regulation (EC) No 2295/2003 (repealed)Show full title

Article 8 U.K. General provisions on marking

1. The markings provided for in Article 7 and Article 10(1) and (2)(c) of Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90 shall be applied on the day of grading and packing.

However, the marks indicating the distinguishing number of the producer, the laying date, how the laying hens are fed and the regional origin of the eggs may be stamped on by the producer.

2. The marks stamped on eggs and applied to packaging shall be clearly visible and legible, in accordance with Articles 7 to 10 of Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90.

The product used for stamping must comply with the provisions in force regarding colouring matters which may be used in foodstuffs intended for human consumption.

3. The distinguishing marks for grade A eggs and ‘washed eggs’ shall consist of:

(a) the grade A distinguishing mark, which shall be a circle of at least 12 mm in diameter around the distinguishing mark for the weight class consisting of the letter or letters indicated in Article 7(1) of this Regulation, at least 2 mm high;

(b) the distinguishing number of the producer, consisting of the codes and letters provided for in Directive 2002/4/EC, at least 2 mm high;

(c) the packing centre number in letters and figures at least 2 mm high;

(d) the dates, shown in letters and figures at least 2 mm high, in accordance with the terms given in Annex I, followed by day and month as defined in Article 9 of this Regulation.

4. The grade B distinguishing mark shall be a circle at least 12 mm in diameter around the letter B at least 5 mm high.

This mark shall not be mandatory where the eggs are delivered directly to the food industry, provided that this destination is clearly marked on the packages containing them.

5. Where eggs are delivered by a producer to a packing centre situated in another Member State, they shall be stamped with the distinguishing number of the producer before leaving the production site. However, where the producer and the packing centre have signed an exclusive delivery contract for operations subcontracted in that Member State requiring them to comply with the above deadlines and marking standards, the Member State on whose territory the production site is situated may grant an exception to this requirement, at the request of the operators and with the prior agreement of the Member State where the packing centre is situated. In such cases, a copy of the original contract, certified by the operators, shall accompany the consignment. The inspection authorities referred to in Article 29(2)(e) shall be informed that an exception has been granted.