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Scams and fraud

Egg Scam

(66 Posts)
Devorgilla Sat 07-Feb-26 20:36:01

I read this in the papers this morning. Shoplifters are 'cracking ways to steal premium eggs'. They switch the more expensive eggs for the standard eggs into the respective cartons. The eggs can be identified by the symbol on them. Crown for the superior ones, lions for the standard. I instantly checked mine in the fridge and found I had indeed been scammed. I will be more vigilant from now on.

WelshPoppy Mon 09-Feb-26 14:53:25

The crown is only for eggs supplied by Clarence Court stocked in Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Morrisons. It doesn't mean they are any better quality than those bearing the recognised Lion symbol which shows they are salmonella free, but are probably more expensive

Norah Mon 09-Feb-26 14:55:01

ViceVersa

The free range eggs we buy are most definitely free range - there are a few little smallholdings near us where the chickens roam freely in their pastures. The eggs are no more expensive than supermarket free range ones - in fact, the chap we buy ours from most often charges £1 per half dozen.

We buy free range eggs, reasonably priced, from a near farm.

Vintagegirl Mon 09-Feb-26 14:56:57

I spotted a fine wisteria in a Homebase trolley. I had a look to see the price but the label was for a much cheaper item....

Paperbackwriter Mon 09-Feb-26 15:48:21

Tizliz

British class A eggs are stamped with a lion

This is a particular brand, Tizliz. Can't remember which one but they have a crown AND a lion.

Primrose53 Mon 09-Feb-26 15:48:33

For info on the thefts of used cooking oil.
There are countless reports out there but hopefully this link will work

share.google/g2umKHg2t9lu5dnYn

They call it “liquid gold” and the Treasury loses £25 million a year due to theft.

Primrose53 Mon 09-Feb-26 15:50:34

Link not working so here is a partial screen shot

Primrose53 Mon 09-Feb-26 15:58:39

www.cateroils.co.uk/cooking-oil-theft-is-on-the-rise-but-how-can-you-prevent-it/

Maremia Mon 09-Feb-26 16:25:20

The thing about 'organic' eggs seems to be that, to be able to make the claim 'organic', the hens have to be fed with something that is good for preventing macular degeneration, and not the yellow colouring agent. Sorry about the lack of detail. Will look it up after I have posted.

SandraF Mon 09-Feb-26 16:47:46

Check also there are 6 eggs in the carton. It's very easy to slip one out into a pocket with no one noticing that.

WithNobsOnIt Mon 09-Feb-26 21:22:28

fancyflowers

Who could be bothered doing this? Call me an idiot, but to me an egg is an egg.

They're either large or small. I use large for scrambled eggs and small for boiled or fried eggs. I honestly couldn't care much about what stamp they have on them.

They also vary in price, quality, size and yolk colour. Yes, you can even buy organic and free range eggs these days!

Which supermarket do you shop at?

Or perhaps you are an older man.
Because that is the sort of silly thing they would say.

Do they still sell dried egg powder. That may suit you better.

Growing0ldDisgracefully Mon 09-Feb-26 21:34:36

Yes, I have seen people swooping eggs between cartons, looked like they were putting the larger eggs into a carton for cheaper eggs. No good telling the supermarket staff, they avoid confrontation with dishonest customers.
I do check for broken or leaky eggs but didn't realise there was a difference in the markings so will check for that in future too.

Peaseblossom Tue 10-Feb-26 00:38:44

I can't see anyone slipping an egg into a pocket, unless they want a big mess by the time they get home and a dry cleaning bill.

Purplepixie Tue 10-Feb-26 00:57:11

Haha! Is it april fools day yet?

NotSpaghetti Tue 10-Feb-26 05:53:56

I think I'll continue to buy organic anyway from a welfare pov.
Soil Association certification ones.
Can't afford Riverford unfortunately- but they keep their hens longer too - around 80 weeks.

​No Beak Mutilation

​Smaller Communities in Organic production- flocks capped at roughly 3,000 birds (though smaller units can be 500-600 birds - instead of 16,000 birds. The smaller the flock the less pecking of each other...

More and bigger exits on sheds.
Hens go outside at 12 weeks instead of 21 so it becomes "normal" - better roaming habits.

​Hens must have 10m² of space each instead of only 4m² for free range.

​Fresher pasture - land must be "rested" for 9 months between flocks to let grass regrow and parasites die. "Free-range" land only needs 2 months of rest meaning it's often just mud.

Organic Hens eat a 100% organic, non-GMO diet free from pesticides. Free-range hens are typically fed standard industrial grain.

No "routine" antibiotics: Organic standards ban the "preventative" use of antibiotics common in high-density free-range system.

Hope this makes more sense of the organic v free range debate.
No wonder they cost more.

NotSpaghetti Tue 10-Feb-26 05:55:28

By the way. I will now check in the box that the egg stamp begins with an O and not a 1
O = Organic
1 = Free range.