The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Ben94 on February 28, 2016, 01:14:51 pm

Title: Duck eggs
Post by: Ben94 on February 28, 2016, 01:14:51 pm

Can't seem to find any clear info on the sale of duck eggs. I've heard there aren't any really so you can sell straight to resturants and shop etc is this true?

Title: Re: Duck eggs
Post by: Backinwellies on February 28, 2016, 02:16:01 pm

Sorry you really are not very clear ... do you mean there aren't any regulations?  .... regulations are same as hen eggs (or any poultry come to that) 

Title: Re: Duck eggs
Post by: Ben94 on February 28, 2016, 05:22:13 pm

Oh ok only I saw this on a large producers website

 "to there being no requirements or guide lines set out by the Food Standards Agency for the production and supply of Duck Eggs we have realised that there is a fundamental need for consumer information and reassurance when they come to purchase."

Title: Re: Duck eggs
Post by: Ben94 on February 28, 2016, 08:25:14 pm

Answered my own question I think found this--Duck eggs are not regulated, so there are no rules or guidelines on quality.  For this reason Horton Farm's standards are kept high.  Before sale the eggs are washed, candled, graded and packed.  Any egg that is not up to our standard is removed.   

Title: Re: Duck eggs
Post by: Talana on February 28, 2016, 08:39:48 pm

There is regulations. Contact your local trading standards they will tell you the details for selling duck eggs - same as hens. There is less regulatory burden selling direct to consumer at farm gate than to shops farmers markets, restaurants etc. Below is link may be helpful
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eggs-trade-regulations (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eggs-trade-regulations)

Title: Re: Duck eggs
Post by: farmers wife on February 29, 2016, 01:40:36 pm

Agree same as hens of course it is regulated.  You will be able to sell farmgate etc however for commercial selling as 3rd party ie restaurants, shops etc they will need to be stamped and be inspected to achieve a number.   Dont confuse direct sell with 3rd party or using them in an establishment like any ingredients it has to be traceable and be part of the food chain paperwork exercise.   Not sure about grading and washing??? we are not talking about a huge duck egg farm??? Most duck eggs are sold ungraded and selling them 'mixed sizes' cover this.


All foods that enter a food chain are controlled and have to be traceable.

Title: Re: Duck eggs
Post by: lord flynn on February 29, 2016, 02:20:37 pm

I think the confusion lies in that there are no welfare regulations in the farming of ducks in the UK (to the best of my knowledge) but if you are selling the produce the actual product is, if that makes sense.

Title: Re: Duck eggs
Post by: Beeducked on February 29, 2016, 07:27:35 pm

I'm afraid there are regulations as have been said and they are the sam was those for hen eggs. You can sell "farm gate" without fulfilling any criteria but to sell to a middleman (shop or restaurant) you need to be registered as a packing station with DEFRA.


In terms of welfare guidelines DEFRA are very helpful.