A new era for eggs: 'Use-by' date is being removed

A new change has been introduced regarding eggs, a staple of breakfast tables.

İbrahim Afyon, President of the Egg Producers Central Union (YUM-BİR), noted that the regulation prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which replaces the "use-by date" with a "best-before date" for the shelf life of eggs, will help prevent food waste.

The draft amendment aligns the shelf life of eggs with the European Union's (EU) relevant regulation, which states that "Class A eggs must be delivered to the consumer within 28 days from the date of laying."

The change in the EU regulation stating that "Class A eggs must be graded, marked, and packed within 10 days of laying, and Class A eggs not marked within 10 days of laying shall be considered Class B (used in the food industry) eggs" has also been added to the draft communiqué.

'USE-BY DATE' IS BEING REMOVED

In order to ensure eggs are consumed without being wasted, the term "best-before date," as used in the EU, will replace the "use-by date" currently used for shelf life.

In his assessment of the issue, YUM-BİR President Afyon pointed out that eggs have a long shelf life if stored under appropriate conditions, stating, "We throw away eggs we buy from market shelves on the 15th or 20th day and keep in our refrigerators at home for 35-40 days, thinking they are 'spoiled and unusable.' This is a national waste. To prevent this waste, eggs that are 35-40 days old can also be consumed if stored under proper conditions."

Stating that they recommend a 28-day period from the date of laying for eggs to reach the consumer, Afyon noted that the regulation in the communiqué is a correct decision in this regard.

'WE HAVE BASED IT ON 28 DAYS IN ACCORDANCE WITH EU CRITERIA'

Pointing out that citizens also need to be informed on this matter, Afyon stated, "The shelf life of eggs is much longer if the shell integrity is intact, no bacterial growth has occurred, and they have not been exposed to extreme heat or dusty environments. There are countries that consume eggs within 90 days of procurement. However, we have based our standard on 28 days in accordance with EU criteria."

Noting that inspections are being carried out in markets regarding this issue, Afyon said that there is a criterion for eggs in markets to be removed from shelves after 28 days.

Emphasizing that these inspections in markets will continue as before, Afyon said, "The draft includes the phrase 'must reach the final consumer within 28 days,' meaning if it does not reach the consumer after 28 days, it will be removed from the shelves. The 28-day shelf life remains unchanged."