[MontyTom]

hi.  can anyone tell me about getting an 'egg number'?  is it straight forward and does it cost anything?  thanks for all advice.

[GrannieAnnie]

why do you want an egg number Tom?  How many eggs are you producing?

[MontyTom]

not surew whether i do yet, just wondering.  something i have discussed in the past with a few people.

[babe]

do you have more than 50 chooks?

[GrannieAnnie]

Can't get onto the DEFRA search at the moment, but are you registered with DEFRA?

We are registered with them and are on the British Poultry Register.  I don't think you have to stamp eggs unless you have more than 50 layers.  It may be more, but if you only sell at the gate or to friends and neighbours I don't think its necessary. I only sell mine that way and they don't need stamping.  Apologies if I'm wrong.  As soon as the DEFRA site lets me into it search I'll have a check

[GrannieAnnie]

Does this help?

Egg marking (stamping)
Since 1 January 2004, Council Regulation 5/2001 has required all Class A eggs sold at retail level in the EU to be marked with a code identifying the establishment, country of origin and method of production.

In addition, the Registration of Establishments Regulations 2003 requires all laying hens establishments to be registered and allocated a distinguishing number comprising of a digit indicating the farming method, Member State code and identification number.

Establishments with fewer than 350 laying hens and those rearing breeding laying hens do not have to be registered under these Regulations, unless any of their eggs are destined to be graded for marketing as class A.

Since 1 July 2005, ungraded eggs sold at local public markets need to be marked with a code identifying the method of production and the establishment, irrespective of flock size.