What Does the Red Stamp on Eggs Mean?

The red stamp commonly found on eggs in the UK, often referred to as the "Red Lion stamp," signifies the British Lion Quality mark. This mark is a crucial indicator of food safety and welfare standards for eggs produced in the United Kingdom.

Understanding the British Lion Quality Mark

The British Lion Quality mark is the UK's most successful food safety assurance scheme for eggs. It indicates that the eggs have been produced to strict safety and welfare guidelines, offering consumers peace of mind about their origin and quality. Over 90% of UK eggs are produced under these guidelines, making it a widely recognised symbol of quality and safety.

Key Guarantees of the British Lion Mark

When you see the red British Lion stamp on an egg, it provides several important guarantees:

• British Origin: The mark guarantees that both the hens that laid the eggs and the eggs themselves are from Britain.
• Salmonella Vaccination: All hens producing British Lion eggs are vaccinated against Salmonella Enteritidis, a key measure to enhance food safety.
• Higher Welfare Standards: Hens are kept to welfare standards that are higher than the legal minimum requirements, ensuring better living conditions for the birds.
• Stringent Production Guidelines: Eggs are produced under a comprehensive code of practice, covering everything from hen housing and feed to egg collection and packing, all subject to independent auditing.

To further illustrate the benefits and standards associated with the British Lion mark, here's a summary of its core assurances:

This mark helps consumers make informed choices, ensuring they purchase eggs that meet high standards for safety, welfare, and traceability. For more information, you can visit the official British Lion Eggs website.