Carton Labeling

INDIANA GUIDELINES FOR LABELING EGG CARTONS 

All egg cartons containing eggs offered for sale must include the following:

  1. Packer identification - (the person or entity placing the eggs in the retail container), must be clearly stated using one of the following identifiers:
    1. Name and address of packer.
    2. Indiana state egg license number, for example, IN-000.
    3. United States Department of Agriculture plant number, for example, P-000.
    4. Egg license number from another state, provided the number is on file in writing at the state egg board office.
    5. United States Department of Agriculture Shell Egg Surveillance number, including state code and handler code, for example, 18-0000. Note: The Shell Egg Surveillance registrant number contains a state code, county code, and handler code. Do not include the county code, only state and handler number.
  2. Grade and size - (Grades include AA, A or B; Size includes Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small, or Pee Wee)
  3. Date the eggs were packaged - May be listed as month and day or consecutive day of the year, As an example: Feb 01 or 032
  4. Expiration date -  which is 15 days from the date of pack for Grade AA and 45 days from the date of pack for Grade A, preceded by the letters EXP or one of the following: Sell BY, Best BY, or Use BY. (Example: EXP March 3 or EXP 3-3)
  5. The following statement must appear on each carton:

    The words “safe handling instructions” must appear in bold capital letters and the statement must be set off in a box by hairlines.

 

safe handling instructions example

Safe Handling Instructions: To prevent illness from bacteria: keep eggs refrigerated,
cook eggs until yolks are firm and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.

** If you are a packer with more than 3000 layers, please verify additional labeling requirements to meet USDA and FDA labeling regulations.


Egg Grading and Size Reference 

Official USDA Egg Air Cell Gauge used to determine egg grades example

Official USDA Egg Air Cell Gauge used to determine egg grades