Easter for us is not just about traditions and moments with loved ones, but also about how the law views eggs. Because believe it or not, even from a legal perspective, not all eggs are the same.

It may surprise you, but there is a fairly sophisticated legal framework - both at European and national level - on how long eggs can be sold to consumers. In addition, changes are in the pipeline to push back some of the current limits.

⚖️ What does the law say about the sale of eggs?

EU Regulation 853/2004, which currently allows eggs to be supplied to consumers up to 28 days after laying, provides the basis. This rule applies from 8 December 2022 - until then eggs could only be sold 21 days after laying.

This European regulation applies to eggs in general - i.e. typically those that pass through the central warehouse of a retail chain before reaching the shelves of individual stores.

What about Czech law?

It distinguishes between two groups of eggs:

1. Eggs in general

• No specific time limit in Decree No 69/2016 Coll.
• The European rule = 28 days after laying

2. Fresh eggs

• defined in Decree No 289/2007 Coll.
• these are eggs sold directly by the farmer to the final consumer or delivered to local retailers
• currently, they may be sold up to 21 days after laying (the minimum shelf life is 28 days)
• their sale is subject to quantity limits: max. 60 units per week for direct sale to the consumer/ max. 600 units per week for delivery to a local retailer

And what changes are coming?

Two major changes are expected to take place as part of the forthcoming amendment of Decree No 289/2007 Coll:

✅ For fresh eggs, the period of sale will be extended to 28 days from laying,

✅ At the same time, the quantity limit for fresh eggs will be increased to 6 000 per month.

These changes are due to apply from 1 July 2025, although it is not yet possible to say with certainty whether this deadline will be met.

What are the implications?

From a legal point of view, it is important to distinguish between eggs delivered from a warehouse (eggs in general) or directly from the farmer (fresh eggs).

While the former can be offered to the consumer up to 28 days after laying, fresh eggs are currently subject to stricter rules - specifically, they can be sold up to 21 days after laying

Whether you're making cake, stuffing or Easter eggs this Easter, try to remember: there's no such thing as an egg - at least not according to the law.

Mgr. Marek Ždímal, lawyer

Mgr. Lucie Šalanská, lawyer

Mgr. Jaroslav Hroza, partner