An EAN-13 code starting with 594 was issued to a company registered with the GS1 organisation of Romania. It is a clue about the company, not the factory.
What it means
GS1 allocates prefixes by country. Companies registered with GS1 Romania receive codes starting with 594. They keep that prefix even when they manufacture elsewhere or sell worldwide.
So a product with prefix 594 may be made outside Romania, and a product made in Romania may carry another country’s prefix if the brand is registered there.
How to find where it was made
Look for “Made in”, “Produced in”, “Country of origin” or “Origin” on the label. In the EU, fresh meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, unprocessed fish, eggs, honey and virgin and extra virgin olive oil must state their origin.
If you do not have the label at hand, scan the barcode with Origen: it shows the manufacturing country stated in Open Food Facts and related databases, or tells you when it is missing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a barcode starting with 594 from Romania?
It means the company registered the code with the GS1 organisation of Romania. The product may have been made in another country: check the label or scan it with Origen.
What if the code starts with 594 but the label names another country?
The label wins. The country of origin or “Made in” shows where it was made; the prefix only shows where the company is registered.
How can I check the origin with my phone?
Open Origen, scan the barcode and you will see the manufacturing country and ingredient origins when the public product record states them.