Eggs
Shell eggs have federal handling rules, state grade definitions and housing standards for sale in Massachusetts.
Registration Required45FHold temperature
3,000Hens: federal SE rule line
330 CMR 35Housing standards
Keep coldRequired label
What is covered and what needs a different path
What this guide covers
- Eggs from your own hens sold on the farm or direct
- Eggs graded and labeled to 330 CMR 5.00 definitions
- Eggs held at or below 45 degrees F
- Eggs from housing that meets 330 CMR 35.00
Needs a different path
- Selling cracked, dirty or checked eggs as clean-grade
- Hatching eggs without pullorum-typhoid status
- Eggs from systems that do not meet the 330 CMR 35 standards
- Unlabeled cartons without refrigeration statements
Three compliance steps
A
Check the housing
Shell eggs sold in Massachusetts must come from hens kept under the 330 CMR 35.00 space standards; confirm if your flock qualifies.
B
Grade and pack
Use the 330 CMR 5.00 candling and grade descriptions; wash and dry, discard checked and leaking eggs.
C
Chill and label
Hold eggs at 45 degrees F or colder, label with safe-handling and Keep Refrigerated statements, plus name and address.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | Candling definitions for AA, A and B | 330 CMR 5.00 |
| Housing | Cage-free space standards for shell eggs | 330 CMR 35.00 |
| Temperature | 45 degrees F or below | FDA 21 CFR 118; MA Food Code |
| Label | Safe handling and Keep Refrigerated | FDA 21 CFR 101.17(h) |
| Hatching eggs | Pullorum-typhoid clean or passed flocks | 330 CMR 5.02 |
Frequently asked questions
Do tiny flocks have to follow the housing rule?Check 330 CMR 35.00 applicability with MDAR; do not assume a small-flock exemption.
Can I use reused cartons?Reuse only clean cartons and remove or cover old brand and grade markings.
What temperature is required?45 degrees F or colder, in storage and at the point of sale.
Printable checklist
- Flock housing meets 330 CMR 35
- Eggs candled and graded
- Washed and dried
- Refrigerated at 45F or below
- Safe handling label applied
- Name and address on carton
- Pullorum-typhoid status on hatching eggs