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Page | Last updated: 17 Oct 2024

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines recommendations for eggs

Summary of FBDG recommendations for eggs for the the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

Due care was taken to ensure factually correct information. Food groupings and food group names differ across individual FBDGs; the ones used here are a compromise to present the information in a structured way. Qualitative and quantitative recommendations and description of portion sizes are presented as in source documents without further harmonisation. The original country FBDGs and the responsible national public health authorities remain the only qualified points of reference. 

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

BelgiumPoultry, eggs or other meat substitutes: 1 to 3 times per week--
BulgariaYou can consume 1 egg a day, and people with high cholesterol - up to half a yolk a day--
Czechia---

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

DenmarkFor variation in your meals, eat eggs. About 3 eggs a week is adequate when eating a plant-rich and varied diet.--
Germany-Eat eggs in moderation1 egg
Note: Included in the "animal products" group
Estonia3-4 portions fish, poultry, eggs, meat, and products made from them (0.5 eggs and egg products)-1 boiled egg, 5 cooked quail eggs, 1 fried egg (55 g), 50 g omelette (~0.5-0.75 egg). 1 portion ≈ 80 kcal.

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

IrelandEggs should be limited to no more than 7 per weekEggs are a good choice for meat-free days2 eggs
Note: Included in "Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts" group
GreeceUp to 4 eggs/ weekPrefer boiled eggs or baked omelets instead of fried eggs1 egg
SpainUp to 4 medium eggs weekly-One medium egg= 53-63 g
Notes: Pregnancy, lactation and anorexia associated with aging  are conditions with high nutritional demand. Egg consumption is highly recommended in these stages of life for its high nutritional contribution and ease of consumption.

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

France--2 eggs
Notes: There is no scientific evidence to allow deriving an intake recommendation for eggs. They can be consumed to the extent that this consumption does not hinder the achievement of other consumption benchmarks.
Croatia---
Note: Included in “protein group” together with meat, fish and legumes
Italy2-4 per week, distributed on different daysThe quantitative recommendations include the eggs used for preparations (e.g. cakes, egg-pasta, etc.)1 medium egg

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

CyprusUp to 3 eggs/ week-1 egg
Note: Eggs are included in one group together with meat, fish, cheese, legumes, peanut butter, and tofu
Latvia2 to 3 servings per day of legumes, fish or lean meat, as well as eggs, nuts and seedsNo limitations regarding egg consumption2 eggs
Lithuania---

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

Luxembourg-1-2 portions per day of meat, poultry, fish, eggs and other vegetarian alternatives such as pulses.-Alternate between meat, poultry, fish, eggs and vegetarian alternatives.2 eggs
Hungary--1 egg
Note: Included in "Meat/fish/eggs/milk and dairy products" group
Malta2-4 eggs per weekChoose fresh and local eggs1 egg

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

Netherlands

- 1-3 yr: 1-2 eggs/ week

- 4 yr and older: 2-3 eggs/ week

-1 egg: 50 g
AustriaUp to 3/ week-1 egg
Note: Included in "Protein foods" group
Poland-Meat can also be replaced with eggs.-

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

Portugal--1 egg
Note: Included in "Meat" group.
Romania4 per week-1 egg
Slovenia-Replace meat by eating eggs-

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

Slovakia-

- In moderation.

- Choose a variety of proteins, which include fish, lower-fat meat and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, soy products and natural seeds and unsalted mixed nuts.

-
Finland2-3 per week--
Sweden-Prefer chicken or egg, in various forms, to red and processed meat-
Note: Included under red and processed meat

Country

Quantitative recommendations

Qualitative recommendations

Portion size

United Kingdom---
Note: Included in "Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins"
Switzerland--2-3 eggs
Note: Included in one group together with meat, fish, dairy products, and tofu
Iceland-It is possible to assemble a healthy diet without meat and then fish, eggs, dairy products, and beans add further on the nutritional value of the food-
Note: We have a picture of a bread with boiled eggs on the meat page
Norway---