International Egg Commission

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Eggs - The Key to Life

Eggs are one of nature’s highest quality sources of protein (in relation to human nutrition), and indeed contain many of the key ingredients for life. The proteins contained within eggs are highly important in the development of the brain and muscles, have a key role to play in disease prevention and contribute to well being in later life, particularly in relation to eyesight (avoiding macular degeneration).

At present many consumers in developed countries have the ability to choose higher cost eggs, that include a high level of costs related to animal welfare, the environment and food safety.

However it must not be overlooked that in some of the world’s least developed and developing countries, including parts of Africa, Asia and South America, all eggs are unaffordable to large sections of the population.

This is reflected to some degree in egg consumption statistics. Many developed countries have high egg annual consumption figures such as USA 255, Spain 273, Italy 223 eggs per capita, whilst other developing countries have lower annual consumption figures such as South Africa 106, Brazil 99, and India 40 eggs per capita (2002 figures).