Trading Standards Fact Sheet 18
Eggs - New Sizes
A Guide for Retailers and Consumers about New Sizes for Grading Eggs
The system for grading the size of eggs by weight is being changed. The following information is provided as an addendum to the Guidance Fact Sheet 'The Labelling of Hens' Eggs', and where existing 'Weight Grades' are quoted in that Fact Sheet, the new grades should apply, as below.
The existing 8 grades, Sizes 0 - 7, are being replaced by just 4 new grades which are:
| Initials | Description | Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| XL | Very Large | 73g or more |
| L | Large | 63g to less than 73g |
| M | Medium | 53g to less than 63g |
| S | Small | Less than 53g |
The labelling of the eggs must indicate the new grades by either the initials or the description (or both) e.g. 'XL' or 'Very Large' or 'XL : Very Large'. The actual weight range may be stated, but this is not compulsory.
The change to the new grades will take place during 1997 and must be completed by 31st December 1997. A chart comparing the new and old grades is shown below.
| New Grade | Old Grade | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| XL - Extra Large | 73g + | 75g + | Size 0 |
| L - Large | 63g | 70g | Size 1 |
| 65g | Size 2 | ||
| M - Medium | 53g | 60g | Size 3 |
| 55g | Size 4 | ||
| S - Small | < 53g | 50g | Size 5 |
| 45g | Size 6 | ||
| < 45g | Size 7 | ||