Egg Fraud in Greece: The Scandal Behind Your Easter Eggs

When a severe bird flu outbreak hit U.S. poultry farms earlier this year, it triggered an egg shortage that sent prices soaring and buyers scrambling on the global market. One of the world’s most affordable and essential protein sources had suddenly become a premium commodity — and the ripple effects hit international supply chains. With Greek Easter just weeks away — when dyed red eggs are cracked as part of beloved holiday traditions — attention is turning to whether there will be enough eggs to meet the seasonal spike in demand. But in Greece, the bigger issue isn’t availability- it’s authenticity- putting egg fraud high on the agenda for food inspectors as in each year.

For over 15 years, Greece has struggled with large-scale egg fraud, particularly the illegal relabeling of imported eggs as Greek — a practice known as the Hellenization of eggs. The problem comes to a head each Easter, when demand surges and supermarkets flood with supposedly “local” or “free-range” products. Often, they are anything but that.

What Is Hellenization in Egg Production?
According to Giannis Liaros, General Director of the National Interprofessional Organization of Eggs and Egg Products (EDOAPA), the Hellenization issue started during the economic crisis. “The problem of Hellenization began in the last 15 years with the onset of the financial crisis, as the egg-laying hen population in Greece decreased significantly,” Liaros told OT.gr.

“By the end of the crisis, around 2019–2020, our estimate was that we had lost about 40% of the flock,” he added. Yet during this same period, Greece never appeared to run short on eggs. Imported eggs — primarily from EU countries — were relabeled as Greek, and often reclassified as higher-quality free-range or barn eggs, which sell for significantly more.

“This became a business that brought in a lot of money illegally, while also deceiving consumers,” Liaros said.

Why It Matters for Greek Easter Eggs
Eggs are central to Greek Easter traditions, from being dyed red to symbolizing the blood of Christ, to being used in celebratory dishes like magiritsa and tsoureki. But the influx of mislabelled imports raises concerns for both Greek consumers and the domestic egg industry.

While demand peaks during Easter, only about 80% of that demand is met by domestic egg production, Liaros explained. The rest must be filled by imports — a situation that opens the door for fraud when oversight is lacking.

The Push for Cage-Free Eggs — and More Fraud Risks
At the same time, consumer preferences are shifting. Across Europe, major supermarkets are phasing out caged eggs in favor of free-range, barn-raised, and organic eggs. This trend, which originated in the U.S. as the “cage-free” movement, has reached Greece — but slowly.

“In Greece, we still produce about 75% of our eggs in cages,” said Liaros. “That opens the door for those importing eggs not only to relabel them as Greek but also to reclassify them to meet the market’s demand.”

Even though the EU had opened discussions about banning caged egg production, those plans are now on hold until after 2030.

A Market in Need of Reform
“The transition from cages to barn or free-range systems isn’t simple,” Liaros noted. “It requires more land, new infrastructure, and significant investment — and for a sector that’s been in crisis for 15 years, these investments are neither easy nor obvious.”

Liaros said the industry needs “bold measures and serious support” if it’s going to shift toward ethical and sustainable production.

Founded in 2022, EDOAPA is now working to regulate the market and improve egg traceability in Greece. One of its main tools is Artemis, a national system designed to track egg origin and movement. However, increased inspections and tighter enforcement remain key demands from producers and industry observers.

Egg Production in Greece: Key Stats
Data from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (June 2024) offers a detailed picture of Greek egg production, as highlighted by OT.gr:

In 2023, Greece produced an estimated 1.63 billion eggs, of which 77.6% came from systematic production units.
Around 720 businesses operate in this sector — but just 16 of them produce 40% of all Greek eggs.
Although 67.5% of producers have moved to alternative farming systems (free-range, barn, or organic), 75.4% of laying hens are still raised in cages.
Only 6.9% of hens are raised free-range, and 3.7% organically.
Looking Ahead: Domestic Challenges, Export Opportunities
Despite its domestic challenges, Greek eggs are attracting interest from international buyers, including countries like Israel. But Liaros stresses that “we must first address the internal problems and production deficits in order to turn this demand into sustainable growth.”

For now, the Greek Easter egg market is expected to remain stable. “There will be no shortages and no price hikes,” Liaros confirmed. “Producers are making a huge effort to absorb increased operational costs.”

Still, consumers are urged to read labels carefully — and remember that the humble egg carries a lot more weight than meets the eye.