Food Quality Assurance
Website: www.mda.maryland.gov
Molly Gillingham, Program Manager
Food Quality Assurance Program
Maryland Department of Agriculture
molly.gillingham@maryland.gov
(410) 841-5769
GUIDELINES FOR SMALL PRODUCERS SELLING EGGS
1. All producer/packers of shell eggs must register with the Maryland Department of
Agriculture (MDA) annually. Layer premises are subject to random testing by MDA to monitor for
salmonella of public health concern.
2. The principal display panel is the top and the information panel is any side of the
carton. Cartons of eggs are required to be labeled with the word grade followed by the grade (A or
AA) with minimum lettering height of ¼” on the principal display panel, the size (Jumbo, Extra
Large, Large, Medium, Small or PeeWee) with a minimum lettering height of ¼” on the principal
display panel, the FDA required safe handling statement on the outside of the carton, the packer or
distributor name and address (city, state and zip if in phone book, complete address if not in
phone book) with a minimum lettering height of 1/16” on the principal display or information panel,
lot number (should identify the flock - if you only have one flock "Lot 1" is acceptable) with a
minimum lettering height of 1/16” on the principal display or information panel, registration
number of the packer (MDA FQAP issued number) with a minimum lettering height of 1/16” on the
principal display or information panel, quantity or net weight of eggs with a minimum lettering
height of 3/16” on the principal display panel, and the identity of the product as eggs with a
minimum lettering height of ¼” on the principal display panel. Many office supply stores can make
an inexpensive stamp with this information.
3. Reuse of cartons is strongly discouraged as it can result in contamination of the eggs.
The use of dirty cartons is prohibited. Clean cartons that are reused must bear only the correct
information. All other markings must be obliterated (Ex. USDA Grade Shield; name, address or
registration number of previous distributor/packer; specialty egg status such as organic, omega 3,
cage free, pastured, etc. unless the producer has documentation they meet the standards for the
labeling).
4. All eggs must meet the standards for the grade and size for which they are labeled. Grade
AA and Grade A are the only consumer grades permitted to be sold in Maryland. The sale of cracked
and dirty eggs (producers should contact MDA for information on proper washing to prevent
contamination) is restricted by law. Eggs cannot be sold as ungraded and/or mixed size.
5. Eggs must be held at 45 degrees F or below ambient temperature. Freezer packs or mechanical
refrigeration may be used. Direct contact with water, ice or conditions that cause eggs to sweat
is prohibited. Eggs on display that are not held at 45 degrees F or below must be clearly labeled as
"Display Only - Not for Consumption." Unrefrigerated hatching eggs must be clearly labeled “Not
for Human Consumption” and cannot bear any of labeling indicating they meet the standards for human
consumption.
6. Producers registered with the MDA are not required to obtain licenses from State or Local
Health Departments to sell/transport their own eggs at a farmer’s market, to restaurants or other
retailers (e.g. Food Service license, Mobile Farmers Market license, On Farm Home Processing
license). Producers are not required to have invoices or equivalent records at Farmers Markets,
however, they are required to provide invoices with their name and address, the buyer’s name and
address, grade, size, quantity and date of delivery when selling to restaurants or retailers.
Rev 1/19/2013