Eggs
Procuring organizations can make demands for more sustainable production when procuring eggs. It includes requirements for animal health and welfare, responsibly produced feed and reduced use of antibiotics.
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| Production form - free-range system indoors | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems indoors | ||
Criterion information Free-range hens move freely indoors in large pens with litter on the floor. The hens have a large total area to move in which is beneficial for bone and leg strength, but it also allows them to avoid each other. In addition, they have good opportunities to scratch and express other natural behaviour. Criterion text Whole eggs and egg products must be produced by laying hens that have had access to nest boxes, sand baths and perches, and can move freely in the pen. | |||||
| More sustainably produced soy in animal feed | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems indoors | ||
Criterion information The cultivation of soy can entail large environmental risks due to the high use of pesticides, soil erosion, along with the risk for land use change and deforestation in species-rich forest and grassland areas. Contracting organisations can specify requirements that improve the prerequisites for a transition to a more sustainable production of soy. Criterion text Animal-based foods shall come from animals where the soy1, if included in the feed, is produced in such a way that, at a minimum, it covers the following:
It is adequate that the documentation of the traceability of the soy can be shown through a segregated supply chain (Identity Preserved or Segregated), or through the principle of mass balance, or through the principle for credits (Credits/Book and Claim). | |||||
| No synthetic colouring in feed | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems indoors | ||
Criterion information Synthetic colouring, e.g. canthaxanthin (so-called R-phrases), used in feed for laying hens give the egg a brightly coloured yolk but do not improve the quality of the feed for the animal. Synthetic colouring can increase the risk of developing allergies in children. Criterion text Egg products must come from laying hens that have not received feed containing synthetic colouring. | |||||
| Responsible use of antibiotics - Chickens, turkeys and hens | Core | Special contract terms | Free-range systems indoors | ||
Criterion information Requiring responsible use of antibiotics can help ensure that antibiotics are only used when necessary for animal health. High use of antibiotics in the production of animal products is associated with increased development of resistance to antibiotics, posing a threat to global public health. High antibiotic use also presents a challenge in terms of sustainability. Criterion text The supplier undertakes to deliver, from the start of the contract, only raw material from chickens, turkeys and hens produced in such a manner that antibiotics, as defined in Regulation 2019/6/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, are not used to promote growth or routinely prevent disease. Antibiotics shall only be used on veterinary prescription for sick animals or for animals in groups where disease has broken out, after clinical disease has been diagnosed in part of the group. There shall be documentation for raw material from chickens, turkeys and hens throughout the contract period showing the total number of medical treatments, the reason for treatment and the preparations used. Documentation per flock1 will be sufficient. Third and fourth generation cephalosporins may only be used when microbiological and resistance testing shows that there is no effective alternative. Coccidiostats as feed additives are not deemed to be antibiotics in this criterion. | |||||
| Information about the origin of the raw material - egg and milk | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems indoors | ||
Criterion information Transparency and traceability in the food chain are important in order to be able to check sustainability parameters in the supply chain. By requiring that information about the origin of the raw-material is to be available and controllable, the procuring organization assures that traceability in the food chain is possible. Criterion text For products made from eggs and/or milk, information must be provided about the country of origin of the raw material, and it must be available to check when a tender is submitted. This information must also be made available or provided on request throughout the term of the contract.The information must include:
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| No beak trimming - chickens, turkeys and hens | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems indoors | ||
Criterion information Beak trimming involves changing part of the beak to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. Feather pecking and cannibalism occur to a lesser extent in a good stable environment in which stress is alleviated. Hence not permitting beak trimming is a relevant animal welfare criterion. Criterion text Chicken and hen raw material shall come from animals whose beaks have not been changed during rearing by means of beak trimming, for example. This also applies to the parental generation. Turkey raw material shall come from animals whose beaks have not been changed during rearing by means of beak trimming, for example. | |||||
| Health reporting system | Spearhead | Technical specification | Free-range systems indoors | ||
Criterion information Healthy animals are an important aspect of animal welfare. Moreover, it is an important aspect for climate impact as healthy animals also produce more efficiently. A low mortality rate in production is a significant indicator. Criterion text Eggs must come from a producer that works in accordance with a health reporting system with health parameters for animal welfare. Parameters are to be monitored in a systematic way, causes must be analysed, deviations must be documented and result in appropriate action in consultation with a veterinarian or production advisor to remedy the problems. The health reporting system must at least include the following:
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| Production form - free-range system outdoors | Spearhead | Technical specification | Free-range systems outdoors | ||
Criterion information The production forms of free-range systems outdoors give hens an opportunity to move freely in large pens indoors with litter on the floor. In addition, the hens have access to the outdoors all year round. Criterion text Whole eggs and egg products must have been produced by laying hens with access to nest boxes, sand baths and perches, in addition to being able to move freely in the pen and having access to the outdoors all year round. | |||||
| More sustainably produced soy in animal feed | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems outdoors | ||
Criterion information The cultivation of soy can entail large environmental risks due to the high use of pesticides, soil erosion, along with the risk for land use change and deforestation in species-rich forest and grassland areas. Contracting organisations can specify requirements that improve the prerequisites for a transition to a more sustainable production of soy. Criterion text Animal-based foods shall come from animals where the soy1, if included in the feed, is produced in such a way that, at a minimum, it covers the following:
It is adequate that the documentation of the traceability of the soy can be shown through a segregated supply chain (Identity Preserved or Segregated), or through the principle of mass balance, or through the principle for credits (Credits/Book and Claim). | |||||
| Information about the origin of the raw material - egg and milk | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems outdoors | ||
Criterion information Transparency and traceability in the food chain are important in order to be able to check sustainability parameters in the supply chain. By requiring that information about the origin of the raw-material is to be available and controllable, the procuring organization assures that traceability in the food chain is possible. Criterion text For products made from eggs and/or milk, information must be provided about the country of origin of the raw material, and it must be available to check when a tender is submitted. This information must also be made available or provided on request throughout the term of the contract.The information must include:
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| Antibiotics | Advanced | Technical specification | Free-range systems indoors | ||
Criterion information A high use of antibiotics risks increasing antibiotic resistance. Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics constitute a growing international public health problem. The development of resistance is associated with the overuse of antibiotics and it is therefore important that antibiotics are not used for preventive purposes in livestock production. Criterion text Antibiotics must only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian and when doing so is medically justified. Documented routines for antibiotics use must exist at production level and be available on request. | |||||
| Health reporting system | Spearhead | Technical specification | Free-range systems outdoors | ||
Criterion information Healthy animals are an important aspect of animal welfare. Moreover, it is an important aspect for climate impact as healthy animals also produce more efficiently. A low mortality rate in production is a significant indicator. Criterion text Eggs must come from a producer that works in accordance with a health reporting system with health parameters for animal welfare. Parameters are to be monitored in a systematic way, causes must be analysed, deviations must be documented and result in appropriate action in consultation with a veterinarian or production advisor to remedy the problems. The health reporting system must at least include the following:
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| No synthetic colouring in feed | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems outdoors | ||
Criterion information Synthetic colouring, e.g. canthaxanthin (so-called R-phrases), used in feed for laying hens give the egg a brightly coloured yolk but do not improve the quality of the feed for the animal. Synthetic colouring can increase the risk of developing allergies in children. Criterion text Egg products must come from laying hens that have not received feed containing synthetic colouring. | |||||
| No beak trimming - chickens, turkeys and hens | Core | Technical specification | Free-range systems outdoors | ||
Criterion information Beak trimming involves changing part of the beak to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. Feather pecking and cannibalism occur to a lesser extent in a good stable environment in which stress is alleviated. Hence not permitting beak trimming is a relevant animal welfare criterion. Criterion text Chicken and hen raw material shall come from animals whose beaks have not been changed during rearing by means of beak trimming, for example. This also applies to the parental generation. Turkey raw material shall come from animals whose beaks have not been changed during rearing by means of beak trimming, for example. | |||||
| Responsible use of antibiotics - Chickens, turkeys and hens | Core | Special contract terms | Free-range systems outdoors | ||
Criterion information Requiring responsible use of antibiotics can help ensure that antibiotics are only used when necessary for animal health. High use of antibiotics in the production of animal products is associated with increased development of resistance to antibiotics, posing a threat to global public health. High antibiotic use also presents a challenge in terms of sustainability. Criterion text The supplier undertakes to deliver, from the start of the contract, only raw material from chickens, turkeys and hens produced in such a manner that antibiotics, as defined in Regulation 2019/6/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, are not used to promote growth or routinely prevent disease. Antibiotics shall only be used on veterinary prescription for sick animals or for animals in groups where disease has broken out, after clinical disease has been diagnosed in part of the group. There shall be documentation for raw material from chickens, turkeys and hens throughout the contract period showing the total number of medical treatments, the reason for treatment and the preparations used. Documentation per flock1 will be sufficient. Third and fourth generation cephalosporins may only be used when microbiological and resistance testing shows that there is no effective alternative. Coccidiostats as feed additives are not deemed to be antibiotics in this criterion. | |||||
| Production form - furnished cage | Core | Technical specification | Furnished cage | ||
Criterion information Research has shown that both furnished cages, where the hens are in smaller groups, and free-range systems, where the hens are in larger groups, satisfy established functional requirements and animal welfare regulations within the EU stipulating that animals should be treated well and protected from unnecessary suffering and disease. For the hen it is more important to be able to lay eggs in a nest box, sit on perches and sand bathe than to be housed in a specific system. Criterion text Whole eggs and egg products must be produced by hens that have had access to nest boxes, sand baths and perches. | |||||
| More sustainably produced soy in animal feed | Core | Technical specification | Furnished cage | ||
Criterion information The cultivation of soy can entail large environmental risks due to the high use of pesticides, soil erosion, along with the risk for land use change and deforestation in species-rich forest and grassland areas. Contracting organisations can specify requirements that improve the prerequisites for a transition to a more sustainable production of soy. Criterion text Animal-based foods shall come from animals where the soy1, if included in the feed, is produced in such a way that, at a minimum, it covers the following:
It is adequate that the documentation of the traceability of the soy can be shown through a segregated supply chain (Identity Preserved or Segregated), or through the principle of mass balance, or through the principle for credits (Credits/Book and Claim). | |||||
| Antibiotics | Advanced | Technical specification | Organic production | ||
Criterion information A high use of antibiotics risks increasing antibiotic resistance. Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics constitute a growing international public health problem. The development of resistance is associated with the overuse of antibiotics and it is therefore important that antibiotics are not used for preventive purposes in livestock production. Criterion text Antibiotics must only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian and when doing so is medically justified. Documented routines for antibiotics use must exist at production level and be available on request. | |||||
| No synthetic colouring in feed | Core | Technical specification | Furnished cage | ||
Criterion information Synthetic colouring, e.g. canthaxanthin (so-called R-phrases), used in feed for laying hens give the egg a brightly coloured yolk but do not improve the quality of the feed for the animal. Synthetic colouring can increase the risk of developing allergies in children. Criterion text Egg products must come from laying hens that have not received feed containing synthetic colouring. | |||||
| No beak trimming - chickens, turkeys and hens | Core | Technical specification | Furnished cage | ||
Criterion information Beak trimming involves changing part of the beak to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. Feather pecking and cannibalism occur to a lesser extent in a good stable environment in which stress is alleviated. Hence not permitting beak trimming is a relevant animal welfare criterion. Criterion text Chicken and hen raw material shall come from animals whose beaks have not been changed during rearing by means of beak trimming, for example. This also applies to the parental generation. Turkey raw material shall come from animals whose beaks have not been changed during rearing by means of beak trimming, for example. | |||||
| Information about the origin of the raw material - egg and milk | Core | Technical specification | Furnished cage | ||
Criterion information Transparency and traceability in the food chain are important in order to be able to check sustainability parameters in the supply chain. By requiring that information about the origin of the raw-material is to be available and controllable, the procuring organization assures that traceability in the food chain is possible. Criterion text For products made from eggs and/or milk, information must be provided about the country of origin of the raw material, and it must be available to check when a tender is submitted. This information must also be made available or provided on request throughout the term of the contract.The information must include:
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| Responsible use of antibiotics - Chickens, turkeys and hens | Core | Special contract terms | Furnished cage | ||
Criterion information Requiring responsible use of antibiotics can help ensure that antibiotics are only used when necessary for animal health. High use of antibiotics in the production of animal products is associated with increased development of resistance to antibiotics, posing a threat to global public health. High antibiotic use also presents a challenge in terms of sustainability. Criterion text The supplier undertakes to deliver, from the start of the contract, only raw material from chickens, turkeys and hens produced in such a manner that antibiotics, as defined in Regulation 2019/6/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, are not used to promote growth or routinely prevent disease. Antibiotics shall only be used on veterinary prescription for sick animals or for animals in groups where disease has broken out, after clinical disease has been diagnosed in part of the group. There shall be documentation for raw material from chickens, turkeys and hens throughout the contract period showing the total number of medical treatments, the reason for treatment and the preparations used. Documentation per flock1 will be sufficient. Third and fourth generation cephalosporins may only be used when microbiological and resistance testing shows that there is no effective alternative. Coccidiostats as feed additives are not deemed to be antibiotics in this criterion. | |||||
| Health reporting system | Spearhead | Technical specification | Furnished cage | ||
Criterion information Healthy animals are an important aspect of animal welfare. Moreover, it is an important aspect for climate impact as healthy animals also produce more efficiently. A low mortality rate in production is a significant indicator. Criterion text Eggs must come from a producer that works in accordance with a health reporting system with health parameters for animal welfare. Parameters are to be monitored in a systematic way, causes must be analysed, deviations must be documented and result in appropriate action in consultation with a veterinarian or production advisor to remedy the problems. The health reporting system must at least include the following:
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| Organic product - addition for chicken and eggs | Advanced | Technical specification | Organic production | ||
Criterion information Organic production aims to use natural resources such as energy, land and water in a sustainable manner. Organic farming shall respect nature’s ecosystems and natural cycles and aim to maintain and improve the quality of soil, water, plant vitality and animal health. Criterion text Raw materials from chickens, hens and eggs shall be produced in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council on organic production and labelling of organic products. The products shall also fulfil the following requirements:
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| Antibiotics | Advanced | Technical specification | Furnished cage | ||
Criterion information A high use of antibiotics risks increasing antibiotic resistance. Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics constitute a growing international public health problem. The development of resistance is associated with the overuse of antibiotics and it is therefore important that antibiotics are not used for preventive purposes in livestock production. Criterion text Antibiotics must only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian and when doing so is medically justified. Documented routines for antibiotics use must exist at production level and be available on request. | |||||
| Responsible use of antibiotics - Chickens, turkeys and hens | Core | Special contract terms | Organic production | ||
Criterion information Requiring responsible use of antibiotics can help ensure that antibiotics are only used when necessary for animal health. High use of antibiotics in the production of animal products is associated with increased development of resistance to antibiotics, posing a threat to global public health. High antibiotic use also presents a challenge in terms of sustainability. Criterion text The supplier undertakes to deliver, from the start of the contract, only raw material from chickens, turkeys and hens produced in such a manner that antibiotics, as defined in Regulation 2019/6/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, are not used to promote growth or routinely prevent disease. Antibiotics shall only be used on veterinary prescription for sick animals or for animals in groups where disease has broken out, after clinical disease has been diagnosed in part of the group. There shall be documentation for raw material from chickens, turkeys and hens throughout the contract period showing the total number of medical treatments, the reason for treatment and the preparations used. Documentation per flock1 will be sufficient. Third and fourth generation cephalosporins may only be used when microbiological and resistance testing shows that there is no effective alternative. Coccidiostats as feed additives are not deemed to be antibiotics in this criterion. | |||||
| More sustainably produced soy in animal feed | Core | Technical specification | Organic production | ||
Criterion information The cultivation of soy can entail large environmental risks due to the high use of pesticides, soil erosion, along with the risk for land use change and deforestation in species-rich forest and grassland areas. Contracting organisations can specify requirements that improve the prerequisites for a transition to a more sustainable production of soy. Criterion text Animal-based foods shall come from animals where the soy1, if included in the feed, is produced in such a way that, at a minimum, it covers the following:
It is adequate that the documentation of the traceability of the soy can be shown through a segregated supply chain (Identity Preserved or Segregated), or through the principle of mass balance, or through the principle for credits (Credits/Book and Claim). | |||||
| No synthetic colouring in feed | Core | Technical specification | Organic production | ||
Criterion information Synthetic colouring, e.g. canthaxanthin (so-called R-phrases), used in feed for laying hens give the egg a brightly coloured yolk but do not improve the quality of the feed for the animal. Synthetic colouring can increase the risk of developing allergies in children. Criterion text Egg products must come from laying hens that have not received feed containing synthetic colouring. | |||||
| EU-organic product | Core | Technical specification | Organic production | ||
Criterion information Organic production promotes sustainable agriculture. Organic farming should respect nature's ecosystems and different natural cycles, and strive to maintain and improve the quality of soil, water, plant health and the health of animals. The balance between all elements is to be maintained and preferably improved. Criterion text Food products must be produced in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council on organic production and labelling of organic products. | |||||
| Health reporting system | Spearhead | Technical specification | Organic production | ||
Criterion information Healthy animals are an important aspect of animal welfare. Moreover, it is an important aspect for climate impact as healthy animals also produce more efficiently. A low mortality rate in production is a significant indicator. Criterion text Eggs must come from a producer that works in accordance with a health reporting system with health parameters for animal welfare. Parameters are to be monitored in a systematic way, causes must be analysed, deviations must be documented and result in appropriate action in consultation with a veterinarian or production advisor to remedy the problems. The health reporting system must at least include the following:
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| Antibiotics | Advanced | Technical specification | Free-range systems outdoors | ||
Criterion information A high use of antibiotics risks increasing antibiotic resistance. Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics constitute a growing international public health problem. The development of resistance is associated with the overuse of antibiotics and it is therefore important that antibiotics are not used for preventive purposes in livestock production. Criterion text Antibiotics must only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian and when doing so is medically justified. Documented routines for antibiotics use must exist at production level and be available on request. | |||||
During egg production the feed accounts for the majority of the climate impact, around 80%, and the livestock accounts for around 20%. It takes between 2.0 to 2.2 kg of feed to produce 1 kg of eggs. However, a hen lays many eggs in her lifetime so the feed she eats is relatively efficiently converted into protein. The emissions of greenhouse gases are approximately 1.5-2.5 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents per 1 kg of eggs.
The production of eggs in conventional production occurs mainly in two ways; either by laying hens that live in furnished cages or by laying hens that live in free-range systems. The research, as assessed by the National Veterinary Institute, has shown that both furnished cages, where hens are kept in smaller groups, and free-range systems, where the hens live in very large groups, satisfy established functional requirements and animal welfare regulations stipulating that animals should be treated well and protected from unnecessary suffering and disease.
According to Directive 1999/74/EC, as of 1 January 2012 all laying hens must have access to furnished cages with nest boxes, scratching areas and perches. In Sweden the use of battery cages has been prohibited since 2004, when the last exemption expired, even though EU-wide legislation allowed it within the EU up until 1 January 2012.
Organic egg production differs from conventional production through the hens having access to the outdoors and the feed being organically produced. They also have more room in the pens, more space on perches and in nest boxes, daylight apertures and roughage.
In Sweden, the consumption of eggs has increased somewhat in recent years. The self-sufficiency rate in eggs is high, approx. 90%. Imports consist mainly of eggs contained in processed foods.