Egg stamping becomes mandatory in November

Egg stamping will become mandatory from 26 November 2014. From this date, each egg will need to be stamped with a unique identifying mark that allows it to be traced back to the farm where it was laid in the event of a food-poisoning outbreak.

Katrina Hodgkinson, Minister for Primary Industries, has praised egg producers that have already implemented egg-stamping systems before it becomes mandatory.

“This is part of a national standard for eggs that will help to reduce the impact of a food-poisoning event,” said Hodgkinson.

“Traceability will ensure consumers are protected while benefiting the egg industry.

“In your business, your reputation is your livelihood and any delay in being able to identify the source of an outbreak reflects badly on the entire industry.

“It can result in a cost to all egg producers, whether that is through the loss of consumer confidence or the potential of having to withdraw safe product from the marketplace as a precaution if the cause can’t be identified.”

The national standard commenced in November 2012, but the NSW Government gave egg producers a two-year grace period to budget for and implement stamping systems.

“I commend the many producers who have already come on board and remind those who have not yet done so that there is now less than three months before stamping is mandatory,” said Hodgkinson.

“In order to reduce the burden on those smaller operators who produce less than 1000 eggs per day, the NSW Food Authority is providing a free egg stamp and ink to help them meet the requirement.”

The NSW Government will also make regulatory amendments so businesses producing fewer than 20 dozen eggs per week that sell directly from the farm gate will not be required to stamp their eggs.