Consumer Container Labeling Requirements

Section 65 Section 65.30  Consumer Container  Labeling Requirements a)         All shell eggs sold by a producer-dealer, packer, handler, or distributor to a retailer for resale to a consumer shall be labeled on the consumer-size container with the grade and size.  Labeling shall be in bold type with letters not less than ⅜ inch in height, no abbreviations permitted. b)         Labeling on each consumer-size container must show the name and address of the packer or the name and address of the distributor or retailer under whose authority the eggs were packed.  This identification must be permanent either by stamping or printing in bold type with letters not less than ⅛ inch in height. c)         Each consumer-size container must include in its label numbers expressed in a three-digit Julian code not less than ⅛ inch in height indicating the exact consecutive day of the year on which the determination of grade and size was made.  Predating is not permitted.  Illegible dates shall be considered as no dates.  Candling dates must be separated from any other codes that may appear on the carton. d)         In addition to the above labeling requirements, it shall be allowable to include expiration dates in the labeling of consumer-size containers at retail.  An expiration date, or other similar language as specified by USDA standards, that is not later than 45 days from the candling date for Grade A eggs and not later than the 30 days from the candling date for Grade AA eggs shall be used.  Eggs with an expiration date marked on the container shall not be offered for sale or sold to a consumer after the date marked on the container.