Decoding Egg Cartons: Symbols, Codes, and Dates
Have you ever wondered what all the markings printed, stamped, or ink-jetted onto an egg carton really mean? It could be a marketing claim trying to communicate why you should buy those eggs, or maybe it’s a mysterious code.
Using Organic Valley® Eggs as an example, we are breaking down the lingo, numbers, and symbols you may have questioned while reading labels — or maybe you’ve never even thought about!
What Is a Julian Date on Egg Cartons?
This three-digit number, typically next to the plant code on the short side of the carton, is the Julian date. The Julian date indicates the day of the year when the eggs are washed, graded, and put in the carton. So, if the eggs were packed on Jan. 1, the Julian Date would be 001. If they were packed on Dec. 31, the Julian date would be 365 (or 366 if a leap year). A Julian date is often used in software for easily calculating elapsed days between two events (for example, the food production date and expiration date).
What Does The ‘P‑number’ or Plant Code on Cartons Mean?
Eggs sourced from small family farms across the U.S. are sent in bulk trays to Department of Agriculture-inspected facilities to be washed, graded, and placed in cartons. Cartons display a four-digit number beginning with “P-” to indicate which USDA location packed the eggs. This code is usually on the same side of the carton as the Julian and sell-by dates. Keep in mind that if you are buying eggs from a friend or a farmstand, the cartons may be reused or donated, so the P-code (and other information) likely is not applicable.
What Are UPC Symbols For?
The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a 12-digit barcode that identifies products and their manufacturers. Retail stores and third-party logistics partners, including warehouses, scan these unique UPCs to import price data and track inventory. All Organic Valley UPC codes begin with 093966, including those on our organic dairy products. The six numbers after that are specific to the product. For instance, large and extra-large eggs have different bars and digits at the end.
State Abbreviations on Cartons
There is often a state abbreviation code such as LA-207 or WA-95 on chicken egg cartons. This is a license number required on cartons for egg sales in that state, so it doesn’t always indicate the origin of the eggs. Some states require their license abbreviation to be printed on the carton; some do not. This code does not necessarily represent where the eggs were produced — though you may have heard differently on social media!
What Are Free Range Eggs?
Eggs labeled “free range” are produced by hens that have access to fresh food and water 24/7 and continuous outdoor access, in line with National Organic Program standards. Hens have the ability to get off the ground onto roosts and perches when they need to, plenty of ventilation and doors to encourage outside time (no cages!). Farmers also enhance the birds’ outdoor space by providing habitat hens want: a safe space to forage for bugs, dirt areas for dustbathing, and trees or structures to provide shade and protection from predators. Because Organic Valley® Eggs are USDA Certified Organic, their outdoor space must be free of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and GMO plants.
What Are Pasture Raised Eggs?
Organic Valley® Pasture Raised Eggs come from hens that are not confined. They spend much of their lives on pasture roaming around and engaging in natural behaviors like scratching, foraging, and dustbathing. They are certified USDA organic and meet the pasture-raised egg standards of the Certified Humane® program administered by Humane Farm Animal Care. Pasture Raised Eggs come from Free to Forage® hens that roam freely indoors or out, foraging on natural diets of grasses, insects, and seeds, with at least 108 square feet of space per bird.
So, What Is Free to Forage®?
Using USDA Certified Organic as a foundation, we created our own hen care standards that provide clear and actionable direction for Organic Valley farmers and their birds. We call it Free to Forage®. Free to Forage® hens have access to fresh air and sunshine, fresh water, and quality organic feed in accordance with the National Organic Program. This method focuses on the welfare of the animals, providing them with a more natural environment.*
Are Organic Eggs Actually Different?
Organic Valley® Eggs come from family farmers who work in harmony with nature. All our family farms and handling facilities are certified organic by the USDA and third-party verified. Organic farmers do not use antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, toxic pesticides, or GMOs. Hens are not caged! (Some even follow their farmers around and are happy to get picked up and petted.) The round USDA Organic seal you see on all Organic Valley® products is your assurance that the farms are inspected at least yearly for compliance with the USDA’s National Organic Program standards.
A hen perches on an Organic Valley farmer’s hand at his Wisconsin farm.
What Are Egg Cartons Made Of?
While some companies may use plastic or foam egg cartons, Organic Valley® Egg cartons are made with 100% recycled (pulp) paper and are recyclable as well as compostable in most areas (not all recycling facilities have the same rules, so check locally to be sure).
CA SEFS (California Shell Egg Food Safety) Compliant
You may notice “CA SEFS” on egg cartons if you live on the West Coast. The state mandates this on labels to indicate the eggs meet California’s enhanced egg food safety standards. These requirements build on federal egg safety rules but are specific to California.
Hope This Eggsplanation Helped!
Now that you know the ins and outs of egg cartons, you can be confident in making the best choice for your household!
*While Organic Valley hens are Free to Forage® outdoors, we sometimes take steps to protect our flocks, including increasing biosecurity and keeping hens inside in the rare case of a high-risk situation, where the health and safety of a flock is compromised by outside variables such as the bird flu or weather.
