SHALL WE DATE OUR EGGS? Our United States consul in England has reported that the decreased export of eggs from the United States is undoubtedly due to the vastly increased supplies received from European countries, where exporters mark the eggs with the date of laying, and impress (by rubber stamps) certain marks and initials as a key to the farm from whence the eggs are collected. Then, in the event of complaints being received as to unsatisfactory condition, inquiries can easily be instituted at the original source, and, if necessary, compensation be recovered. That this system has appealed to the retailer in Great Britain is unquestionable, while the proximity of Denmark and Russia is a powerful factor. London's yearly egg consumption is estimated to be as follows: Number of eggs consumed, 800,000,000; weight, 60,000 tons; cost to consumers, $20,000,000. London draws half of her yearly supply from England, and 15 per cent from France. |