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Category 9 of 25 · Hawaii

Eggs

Shell Eggs from Backyard & Farm Flocks

HDOA Standards Apply — No Permit for Direct Farm Sales
No grading req'd
Direct sale
Grading + permit
Retail/store sale
HDOA / HDOH
Agency
HAR Ch.46
Rule

What's Covered / What Needs More

✓ What's Covered

  • Direct farm-gate and farmers-market sales of clean, sound-shell eggs without formal grading, per HDOA guidance
  • Selling under a temporary HDOH food permit at farmers markets (valid 20 days of sale within a 120-day period)
  • Using new or well-cleaned, relabeled cartons with all old markings covered
  • Refrigerating eggs at or below 45°F from collection through sale

✕ Needs More

  • Selling ungraded eggs through a retail store or wholesale channel — off-farm retail sale requires HDOA Chapter 46 grading (AA/A/B), sizing, and standard carton labeling
  • Washing eggs with non-potable water, or skipping a food-safe sanitizer labeled for shell eggs
  • Selling visibly soiled, cracked, or stained-shell eggs at any market
  • Omitting the pack date, producer name/address, and safe-handling instructions from the carton

How to Get Compliant

A

Get your temporary food permit

Farmers selling on-farm or at a farmers market directly to consumers need a temporary HDOH food permit (20 sale-days per 120-day period).

B

Wash, sanitize, and chill

Use potable water and a shell-egg-labeled sanitizer, then hold eggs at or below 45°F through sale.

C

Label the carton

Include producer name/address, size/grade if applicable, pack date, and USDA safe-handling instructions; cover any old carton markings if reusing cartons.

Quick Reference

Sales ChannelRequirementNotes
Farm-gate / farmers market, directTemporary HDOH food permitFormal AA/A/B grading not required for direct sales
Retail store shelf placementHDOA Ch.46 grading + HDOH permitFull grading, sizing, candling apply
Wholesale to restaurant/storeHDOA Ch.46 grading + registrationTreated as a commercial egg handler
Carton reuseClean, undamaged, relabeledOld brand markings must be fully covered

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to grade my backyard eggs to sell at a farmers market?
Direct farm/market sales to consumers are generally exempt from formal AA/A/B grading, but eggs must still be clean, sound, and properly labeled.
What temperature do eggs need to be held at?
At or below 45°F (7°C) from the time of collection through sale.
Can I reuse egg cartons?
Yes, if clean and undamaged, with all previous labeling fully covered and your own required label added.
Do I need a permit at all?
Yes — a temporary HDOH food permit is required for on-farm/market direct egg sales, valid for 20 sale days within a 120-day period.

Printable Checklist