A nutritionist has urged shoppers to check one crucial detail before buying eggs: the number stamp on the egg itself, rather than trusting packaging claims. Madinah Yate, in a TikTok video, warned consumers to "stop trusting" carton labels like 'organic', 'farm fresh', or 'happy hens', which she described as mostly marketing.
The Number Code Explained
According to Yate, eggs in the UK are stamped with a number from 0 to 3, indicating the farming method and welfare level. A '0' denotes organic, pasture-raised hens with outdoor access and a natural diet—the best quality. '1' means free range, which is decent but lower. '2' indicates barn-raised hens kept indoors, while '3' is the worst, representing caged hens with the lowest welfare.
Why It Matters
Yate explained that higher-quality eggs have richer yolks, better fatty acid profiles, and more vitamins A, D, and E. "If you are choosing better for the chickens, you are choosing better for your body," she summarized. The British Hen Welfare Trust confirmed that EU regulations since 2004 require commercial eggs to be stamped with this code, allowing consumers to distinguish organic (0), free range (1), barn (2), and cage (3) eggs.
Viewer Reactions
The advice shocked many viewers. One commented, "I've been buying the same brand for years because the quality seemed good, but I'm just finding out they're category 3." Another said, "I learned something today. Thank you for this brief but informative video." A third added, "I bought some with 3s on. Going straight in the bin."
Yate concluded: "Before you buy eggs, check the code—it's often more honest than the packaging."
