What do the codes stamped on an eggshell mean?

Answer

Eggs placed on the market for human consumption are called Class A table eggs, and the codes on their shells make the production method and origin traceable. The first digit shows the farming method: 0 means organic production, 1 means free range, 2 means barn (cage free) production and 3 means cage production. This is followed by the country code (TR for Türkiye), the provincial code and a number specific to the establishment; the flock (house) number at the end shows which flock the egg came from. For example, the code 0TR060000060000-01 denotes an egg produced organically at a particular establishment and house in Ankara. These codes are stamped on the shell so as to be easily visible and legible, at least 2 mm high, and for Class A eggs the laying date may also be added voluntarily.