UP mandates expiry dates on Eggs from April 1

Eggs sold across Uttar Pradesh will soon carry expiry and production dates, with the state government mandating stamping on each egg from April 1 to ensure better food safety and transparency for consumers.

Additional Chief Secretary (Animal Husbandry) Mukesh Meshram said the move is aimed at helping buyers easily identify the freshness and quality of eggs, similar to labelling seen on packaged medicines.

Under the new guidelines, eggs stored at ambient temperatures of around 30°C must be consumed within two weeks from the date of laying. However, eggs stored under refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C can remain fit for consumption for up to five weeks.

The decision was taken during a recent meeting chaired by Agriculture Production Commissioner Deepak Kumar. Poultry farmer Baleshwar Verma from Sitapur said egg-stamping machines are already available in the market and are being used by some producers.

He noted that while earlier only brand names were stamped, producers will now include both production and expiry dates. The additional cost is expected to be minimal, around 6 paise per egg, and is unlikely to significantly affect retail prices.

Authorities have also specified that food-grade ink must be used. Eggs stored at room temperature will be stamped in pink ink, while those kept in cold storage will carry blue ink.