Thank you for your interest in qualifying for an egg grading/candling license. Along with this introductory page, you will find the following materials on the webpage:
Please review all this information thoroughly in preparation to be licensed.
USDA SHELL EGG SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM: If you have 3,000 or more hens, you qualify for the USDA Shell Egg Program and the eggs will be inspected quarterly. Please contact your local inspector.
Egg Candling/Grading licenses are issued by the Department of Livestock, Milk and Egg Bureau. The fee is $5.00, to be renewed annually (license is valid April 1 through March 31). An individual must be proficient at grading and candling eggs and meet criteria to be licensed. Please refer to the USDA Egg Grader Manual.
Criteria: Each applicant must demonstrate competence in candling and grading eggs. Birds must have adequate access to food, water, and housing and yard and housing should be clean and well maintained. It is suggested that eggs are harvested twice daily. In addition, there must be adequate washing facilities. The wash water must be at least 20circF greater than the interior temperature of the egg (otherwise water is pulled into the egg). Minimum wash temperature is 90circF and must have adequate air flow around eggs when drying. Never soak eggs in the wash water.