Shell eggs sold direct from the flock to Iowa consumers
IDALS draws the licensing line at how eggs are sold, not flock size: direct-to-consumer sales (farmers markets, CSA, on-farm, personal delivery) need no state license, while sales to a retail store, restaurant, or institution require an Egg Handler's License regardless of how many hens you keep.
Direct-sale eggs still need to be kept at 45°F or below through sale and packed in a labeled carton; add an allergen statement since eggs are one of the nine major allergens.
If you start supplying stores or grocers, apply for an Egg Handler's License at least 30 days before starting, which requires a pre-inspection and demonstrated ability to candle and grade — the license runs two years.
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Direct-to-consumer sale (market, CSA, on-farm) | No IDALS license required | IDALS |
| Sale to grocery, restaurant, institution | Egg Handler's License required | IDALS, Iowa Admin. Code ch. 36 |
| Storage/handling | Keep at 45°F or below for market sale | IDALS |
| Labeling | Labeled carton; allergen statement (egg) | IDALS / FDA |
| License duration and renewal | Valid 2 years, expires October 1 | Iowa Admin. Code 36.2 |
No strict volume exemption — the trigger is the sales channel. Selling directly to consumers needs no license no matter how many hens you keep; selling to a store or restaurant needs a license even from a small flock.
Yes. Ungraded eggs sold directly by the producer are common at Iowa farmers markets and don't require official grading or sizing, though basic cleanliness, refrigeration, and labeling still apply.
Producers selling only their own flock's eggs directly to consumers are generally exempt; reselling another producer's eggs, or acting as a handler for others, changes your obligations — check with IDALS before combining flocks.
Apply at least 30 days before you plan to start operating as an egg handler, since the process includes a pre-inspection and a demonstrated candling/grading skills check.