Overview
- More than 90% of eggs sold in the UK carry the British Lion mark, a scheme credited with sharply reducing salmonella since its 1998 launch and surpassing 200 billion eggs sold.
- The stamp appears on cartons and shells with a code showing farming method (0 organic, 1 free range, 2 barn, 3 cage), UK origin, a unique farm ID and a best-before date.
- Unmarked eggs in the UK are typically imports or from small producers, and they may turn up in budget processed items such as cheap quiches or ready-made sandwiches.
- Shoppers are advised to refrigerate eggs, keep them separate from other foods, wash hands and utensils after handling, and discard any with cracked shells.
- Higher-risk groups are told to consume raw or lightly cooked eggs only if they carry the British Lion mark or are certified under the Laid in Britain scheme, and eggs from ducks, geese and quails should be fully cooked.