UEP Certified Hatch Check

Hatch Check Guidelines

UEP Certified Hatch Check certifies eggs produced by hens from a hatchery that identifies male chicks prior to hatch using in-ovo sexing technology and verifies that the egg farm kept the certified eggs separate from other egg production.


In 2016, UEP’s Board committed to identifying scalable solutions for sexing eggs prior to hatch and actively supported the research and implementation of alternative methods and new technologies. In 2025, UEP Certified launched UEP Certified Hatch Check to ensure the integrity of the supply chain and layer welfare, including at hatcheries, participating farms, and egg processing facilities, for producers utilizing in-ovo sexing technology or raising male chicks for other purposes.

UEP Certified Hatch Check ensures eggs are produced by hens from a hatchery whose male chicks are either identified before hatching using in-ovo sexing technology or humanely raised. Hatch Check also verifies that the participating farm kept Hatch Check certified eggs separate from other egg production. Hatch Check ensures audits and integrity of the supply chain and layer welfare, including at the hatchery, on the farm, and in egg processing facilities. Look for the Hatch Check logo, to ensure eggs purchased are verified as utilizing in-ovo sexing technology or raising the male chicks. Eggs with the Hatch Check logo on the carton meet several important standards: Allows for either in-ovo sexing* of unhatched eggs or hatching and raising of the male chicks. Requires in-ovo sexing be performed on or before day 15 of egg incubation. Supports animal welfare across the entire production chain, including a UEP Certified Hatchery audit and a UEP Certified Animal Husbandry audit on layer farms, in addition to Hatch Check standards Ensures proper segregation of chicks, laying hens, and eggs throughout the entire process.

Refer to the Hatch Check Guidelines for comprehensive details.

*In-ovo sexing is a process that uses advanced technology to identify the sex of a developing chick inside an egg before it hatches. If a male chick is detected, the egg can be removed and redirected for alternative use. Learn more in our blog: “What is In-Ovo Sexing?”