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Georgia · Direct-to-Consumer Compliance · Category 09 of 24

Eggs

Backyard and small-flock chicken eggs sold direct to consumer under the Georgia Egg Law

Farm Exempt
Egg candling certificate
License
Free (lifetime cert)
Cost
Requires licensed facility
Retail sale
Restricted-egg exemption
Farm/market sale

What's Covered / What Needs More

✓ Generally Covered

  • Selling eggs from your own flock at the farm, door-to-door, or at a fixed place of business you own, direct to the household consumer
  • Selling at farmers markets once you hold a GDA egg candling (grading) certificate
  • Getting the free, lifetime egg candling certificate by passing a written and hands-on exam through GDA/UGA Extension
  • Following required grading, packaging, and refrigeration standards (45°F or below) for all eggs sold

✕ Needs More / Watch Out

  • Selling ungraded, uncandled eggs to consumers — Georgia requires a candling certificate even for small backyard flocks
  • Selling to a grocery store, bakery, or restaurant without a GDA-licensed candling facility (a higher bar than the direct-consumer 'restricted egg' exemption)
  • Skipping proper carton labeling (producer info, grade, size, pack/expiration date)
  • Storing or transporting eggs above 45°F before sale

Three Steps to Compliance

A

Get your egg candling certificate

Attend a free GDA/UGA Extension egg-candling class (written + hands-on exam) to earn a lifetime candling certificate — required before you sell any eggs, even direct from your own flock.

B

Grade, pack, and label properly

Candle and grade every batch, pack in labeled cartons meeting Georgia Egg Law weight/grade standards, and keep eggs refrigerated at 45°F or below from collection to sale.

C

Sell direct or step up to retail

Direct sales at your farm, a fixed retail spot you own, door-to-door, or (with your candling certificate) at farmers markets are covered under the 'restricted egg' exemption; selling to grocery stores/restaurants requires GDA to license your candling facility separately.

Quick Reference

Certificate required?Yes — GDA/UGA egg candling (grading) certificate, even for direct farm sales
CostFree; one-time class + exam, lifetime certificate
Direct-to-consumer saleAllowed under the 'restricted egg' exemption at farm, fixed business location, or door-to-door
Farmers market saleAllowed with candling certificate
Grocery/restaurant/bakery saleRequires GDA to license your candling facility
Storage requirement45°F or below from collection through sale

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any license to sell eggs from my backyard flock?
You don't need a food sales establishment license for direct farm sales, but you do need a free GDA egg candling certificate — it's required even for small flocks.
How do I get the candling certificate?
Take a free class offered jointly by GDA and UGA Extension, pass a written and hands-on candling exam, and receive a certificate that's good for life.
Can I sell my eggs at a farmers market?
Yes, once you hold your candling certificate — markets may add their own vendor requirements too.
What if I want to sell to a local grocery store?
You'll need GDA to license your candling facility specifically for that purpose — a step beyond the direct-to-consumer exemption.

Printable Checklist

MarketStand · Georgia Producer Compliance Series
This guide is general information, not legal advice, current as of September 2026. Georgia's cottage food, meat inspection, dairy, egg, plant, feed, and alcohol rules change — always verify current requirements with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (agr.georgia.gov), Georgia Dept. of Revenue Alcohol & Tobacco Division, and your local health department before selling.
Primary sources: Georgia Dept. of Agriculture (Cottage Food, Meat Inspection, Egg Law, Live Plant Program, Feed/Pet Food Program); HB 398 (2025); Georgia Raw Dairy Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-450 et seq.; Georgia Meat Inspection Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-60; Georgia Food Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-20; GA Dept. of Revenue Alcohol & Tobacco Division; FDA (DSHEA, MoCRA, FSMA Produce Safety Rule, 21 CFR 108/111/113/114).