Eggs

In-shell chicken and other table eggs

Split Path
0grading needed for direct farm sales
ISEBlicense required for farmers markets
IC 16-42-11governs egg labeling statewide
45°Frecommended cold-chain temperature

What's Covered  /  What Needs a Different Path

✓ Covered here

  • Ungraded eggs sold directly from your own flock at your farm or residence
  • Eggs sold at a farmers market or roadside stand with an Indiana State Egg Board Farmer's Market registration
  • Properly labeled cartons meeting IC 16-42-11 requirements

✗ Needs a different path

  • Selling ungraded eggs through retail stores or wholesale channels
  • Farmers-market egg sales without Indiana State Egg Board registration
  • Duck, turkey, quail, or other non-chicken eggs sold without checking current state coverage – these are not uniformly regulated the same way

Three Steps to Compliance

A

Sell direct from the farm ungraded

Eggs from your own flock, sold directly at your farm or residence, don't need USDA-style grading.

B

Register for farmers markets

Get approval and a Farmer's Market license from the Indiana State Egg Board before selling in-shell eggs at markets or roadside stands.

C

Label to code

Follow IC 16-42-11's carton labeling rules and keep eggs properly refrigerated from collection to sale.

Quick Reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Direct farm/residence saleNo grading requiredIC 16-42-11
Farmers market / roadside stand saleIndiana State Egg Board Farmer's Market licenseIndiana State Egg Board
Retail/wholesale distributionUSDA-style grading requiredIndiana State Egg Board
Carton labelingProducer name, address, safe-handling infoIC 16-42-11

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to grade my eggs to sell from home?

No – direct sales from your own flock at your farm or residence don't require grading.

What license do I need for a farmers market?

A Farmer's Market registration/license from the Indiana State Egg Board, in addition to following IC 16-42-11 labeling.

Can I sell duck or quail eggs the same way?

Rules can differ by species and have changed recently – confirm current treatment with the Indiana State Egg Board before selling non-chicken eggs commercially.

How should I store eggs before selling?

Keep them refrigerated (around 45°F) from collection through sale to protect quality and safety.

Printable Checklist

Confirm you're selling ungraded eggs only direct from the farm
Register with the Indiana State Egg Board for market sales
Label cartons per IC 16-42-11
Keep eggs refrigerated at a consistent cold temperature
Verify current rules for non-chicken egg species
Never route ungraded eggs into retail/wholesale