Compulsory marking of hens' eggs at farm level in the EU
16.7.2021
Question for written answer E-003619/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Tom Vandenkendelaere (PPE)
Hens' eggs offer an easy target for fraudsters, as it is impossible to determine whether they are organic, free-range or from caged hens unless they are marked on the farm where they are laid.
EU regulations require chicken eggs to be marked at their production site or at the first packing centre to which they are delivered. Many exceptions apply, however. Moreover, marking is not compulsory at farm level, leading to fraud and unfair competition.
Given that ‘combating food fraud along the food supply chain’ is one of the focal points of the Farm to Fork Strategy, consideration should be given to making marking compulsory at farm level.
- 1.Does the Commission have specific data on the number of fraud cases involving hens' eggs in the EU?
- 2.What means can the Commission use to detect and identify fraudulent practices involving hens' eggs?
- 3.Will the Commission consider making it compulsory for hens’ eggs to be marked at farm level in order to reduce the risk of fraud? Why, or why not?
Last updated: 29 July 2021