Is Home Chicken Egg Production Subject to Inspection?

Regulations and Inspection

If you plan to sell eggs from your home chicken coops, you will likely be subject to regulations and inspections from your local and state authorities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) sets the regulations for the sale of eggs. In the United States, for example, the USDA requires that all shell eggs sold in interstate commerce be graded and stamped with a “Grade A” or “Grade B” label, indicating their quality and cleanliness.

Requirements for On-Farm Sales

If you plan to sell eggs directly from your farm or homestead, you will need to meet the USDA’s on-farm sales requirements. This includes allowing inspectors to visit your farm at any time, keeping accurate records of your egg production and sales, and meeting sanitation and handling requirements. In the United States, for example, you will need to meet the requirements set out in the USDA’s “Grade A” Pasteurized Egg Products and Pasteurized Egg Product in the Liquid, Frozen, or Dehydrated Form regulations.

Record Keeping and Labeling

To sell eggs from your home chicken coops, you will also need to keep accurate records of your egg production and sales, as well as label your eggs with the required information. This includes the name and address of your farm, the date of packaging, and any other required information. You will also need to meet the labeling requirements set out by your state and local authorities. For example, in California, eggs sold directly from the farm must be labeled with the farm’s name, address, and a statement indicating that the eggs were produced on the farm.