The rules for marketing Class A eggs for consumption are agreed at European level. Each egg must be stamped with various details relating to its origin and including a code identifying the method of production. Packs or displays of Class A eggs must also be labelled with the production method and an explanation of the code on the eggs. Together, these enable the consumer to determine whether an egg is organic, free range, barn, or from a caged hen.
These rules are actively enforced in England from the primary production through packing to distribution by Animal Health ‘Egg Marketing Inspectors’ and by local authorities at retail and catering level.