Why is food grade ink required to code on egg shells?

Food grade ink is required to code on egg shells for several reasons:

1. Safety:

* No harmful chemicals: Food grade ink is specifically designed to be safe for consumption. This means it doesn't contain harmful chemicals that could potentially contaminate the egg and make it unsafe to eat.

* Non-toxic: The ink is non-toxic and won't leach into the egg or cause any adverse health effects.

2. Durability:

* Adherence: Food grade ink needs to adhere well to the porous and delicate surface of the egg shell.

* Long-lasting: The ink needs to remain legible and visible throughout the entire shelf life of the egg, even when exposed to the various conditions in the supply chain (temperature fluctuations, humidity).

3. Legibility:

* Clear marking: The ink must be easily readable to ensure accurate traceability and identification of the eggs.

* Contrast: It should have good contrast against the egg shell to make the coding stand out.

4. Regulatory compliance:

* Food safety regulations: Food safety regulations in many countries require the use of food grade ink for marking food products, including eggs. This helps ensure the safety and quality of the food supply.

5. Consumer confidence:

* Transparency: Using food grade ink assures consumers that the eggs are safe to eat and have been properly labelled.

In summary, food grade ink is essential for coding on egg shells to prioritize safety, ensure durability and legibility, comply with regulations, and build consumer confidence in the product.