Expiry date to be printed on eggs in Uttar Pradesh from 1 April

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) – From 1 April, it will be mandatory to clearly print both the production date and expiry date on every egg in the state. This measure will prevent shopkeepers from selling old or spoiled eggs as fresh ones. Consumers will be able to check the dates themselves and determine how old an egg is and how long it remains safe for consumption. This rule is being implemented as per directives from the Animal Husbandry Department and the Food Safety Department.

The Chief Veterinary Officer stated that eggs are directly related to human health. Earlier, old eggs were being sold at many places without consumers being aware of it. With the implementation of this rule, transparency will increase and people will get fresh eggs. If any trader or shopkeeper fails to comply with the rules, their stock will be seized. Such eggs may be destroyed or clearly labelled as ‘Not safe for human consumption.’

How long do eggs remain safe ?

At normal temperatures of around 30°C, eggs remain good for only about two weeks. If stored in a cool place at 2°C to 8°C, they can be used for up to five weeks. However, many traders were not following proper storage practices. With printed dates, consumers will now be able to verify freshness easily.

Status of cold storage facilities

In a large state like Uttar Pradesh, there are currently only two major cold storage centres, one in Agra and another in Jhansi. As per food safety regulations, eggs and vegetables cannot be stored together in the same facility due to different temperature requirements. Although infrastructure is currently limited, the government has made it clear that no excuses will be accepted, and all must comply with the rules.

Date labelling laws in other countries

In European countries, printing dates on eggs is mandatory. Each egg carries a code that, when scanned, reveals details such as the country of origin and the farm it came from.
In the United States, egg cartons must display both the ‘pack date’ and ‘expiry date.’
In the United Kingdom, eggs carry the ‘Lion Mark,’ which certifies that the hen has been vaccinated and that the egg is safe for consumption.

Cage-free hens

In many places in India, hens are kept in very small cages with little room to move, causing stress. Stressed hens fall ill more easily, leading poultry owners to use large quantities of antibiotics. These medicines can enter the human body through eggs, which is harmful to health. In contrast, countries in Europe and US are increasingly adopting cage-free systems, where hens are allowed to move freely. Scientifically, it is believed that eggs from happy and stress-free hens are more nutritious.