All Maine guides
Farm Exempt

Eggs

Farm-fresh shell eggs. Selling direct to consumers in Maine.

Under 3,000 birdsNo license
Cold holding45F or below (FDA)
CartonRequired
RegulatorDACF

What is covered

Covered by this path

  • Fresh shell eggs from a farm under 3,000 birds
  • Sales at farm stand or market

Needs a different path

  • Flocks of 3,000 or more birds
  • Reselling other farms' eggs without grading rules
  • Cracked or dirty eggs

Three compliance steps

A

Check flock size

DACF says no license is needed for fresh eggs from farms with fewer than 3,000 birds.

B

Refrigerate

FDA requires shell eggs held at 45F or below at retail.

C

Carton and label

Use clean cartons and include safe handling information.

Quick reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Flock under 3,000No licenseDACF
Storage45F or belowFDA
Washing and gradingPer DACF egg rulesDACF

Frequently asked

Do I need egg grading?

Not for exempt small flocks; confirm DACF egg rules for label wording.

Printable checklist

Flock count recorded
Fridge at 45F or below
Clean cartons
Label ready