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The EC Egg Marketing Standards Regulations: Explanatory Leaflet

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APPENDIX A - EGG QUALITY STANDARDS (GRADE A)

Cuticle

  • normal shape
  • clean
  • undamaged

Shell

  • normal shape
  • clean
  • undamaged

Air-Space

  • height <= 6mm or <= 4mm for eggs marketed as 'extra' (Section 4.10)
  • stationary

Yolk

  • visible on candling as a shadow only
  • without clearly discernable outline
  • slightly mobile upon turning
  • and returning to a central position

White

  • clear
  • translucent

Germ Cell

  • imperceptible development

Foreign Smell

  • not permissible

Foreign Matter

  • Not permissible

Cleaning / Washing

  • Not permitted

EGG QUALITY STANDARDS (GRADE B)

Grade B eggs are those that do not meet the quality criteria set out above for Grade A. Grade B eggs should not be sold for human consumption, but can be passed to the food industry for processing.

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Page updated: Wednesday, February 20, 2008