Are eggs number 2, 3, and 4 medicated? Response from the ministry regarding the alarming claim.

An explanation was made on the social media platform X of the Food and Control General Directorate regarding the numbers on the eggs. In the statement, it was mentioned that posts were made on social media platforms stating that if the numbers on the eggs start with '0' and '1', they are healthy, and if they are written as '2', '3', or '4', they contain nitrofurans and veterinary drugs. It was reported that the first digit in the numbers written on the eggs indicates the breeding method of the chicken.

NUMBER 2: RAISED WITHOUT CAGE

If the breeding method code is "0", it means organic farming, which means eggs obtained from chickens fed with organic feed, having access to open air, and certified establishments. If it is "1", it means access to free range, which means eggs obtained from chickens raised in a free-range environment with access to open air. If it is "2", it means cage-free farming, which means eggs obtained from chickens that can freely roam inside a closed cage. If it is "3", it means cage farming, which means eggs obtained from chickens living in cages. The statement also provided the following information:

CLAIMS THAT 2, 3, AND 4 ARE MEDICATED

"There is no breeding code called '4' in this field. The claim that eggs starting with '2', '3', or '4' are medicated, as expressed in social media posts, does not reflect the truth. These numbers indicate the breeding method of the laying hen. Regardless of the breeding type, eggs are inspected for nitrofurans and other veterinary drugs. In case of any negative findings, actions are taken in accordance with the Law on Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food, and Feed No. 5996."