Minnesota direct-to-consumer guide, 2026

Eggs

Shell eggs from your own flock, sold on the farm, at markets, or to food facilities.

Farm Exempt (Register with MDA)
3,000Layer count below which MDA registration applies
45°FEgg storage temperature
24 ozMinimum weight per dozen, Large
0Eggs from other farms allowed without a license

What is covered and what needs a different path

What’s covered

  • Eggs from your own flock of fewer than 3,000 layers
  • On-farm sales to household consumers, including checks and dirties for personal use
  • Farmers market and food-facility sales after MDA registration

Needs a different path

  • Selling other farms’ eggs without an MDA food handler license
  • More than 3,000 layers (USDA Shell Egg Surveillance applies)
  • Selling dirty or cracked eggs off the farm

Three compliance steps

A

Register as an exempt egg producer

Use the MDA online account (Egg/Poultry/Rabbit Exemption) to confirm your own-flock, under-3,000-layer status and get your certificate.

B

Clean, candle, and grade

Wash with approved equipment, candle every egg, and grade and size by weight per dozen. Reused cartons are allowed.

C

Label and refrigerate

Cartons must say “Perishable. Keep Refrigerated.” and carry the safe handling statement, grade, and size. Keep eggs at 45°F or below.

Quick reference

ItemRuleRegulator
RegistrationOwn flock, under 3,000 layers; no food handler licenseMDA
Candling and gradingAll eggs candled and graded; sized by weight per dozenMDA
Carton label“Perishable. Keep Refrigerated.” plus safe handling statementMDA
Size minimumsJumbo 30 oz, XL 27, Large 24, Medium 21, Small 18, Peewee 15 per dozenUSDA, MDA
Sales taxEggs are exempt foodMN Revenue

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to sell at a farmers market?

No food handler license for your own eggs, but market rules equal food-facility rules: clean, candled, graded, labeled, refrigerated.

Can I sell checks and dirties?

Only on your premises directly to a household for personal use, under Minn. Stat. 29.235.

What about duck or quail eggs?

MDA treats eggs from any species defined as poultry the same way.

Printable checklist

  • MDA exemption certificate
  • Washing equipment meets Minnesota rules
  • Every egg candled and graded
  • Carton label and safe handling statement
  • Refrigeration at 45°F or below
  • Only your own flock’s eggs

The 45°F figure follows federal egg rules and the MDA guidance outline; size minimums are USDA standards.