Shell Egg Carton Label Requirements

Principal Display Panel (PDP):

  • The term principal display panel means the part of a label that is most likely to be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under customary conditions of display for retail sale.
  • The principal display panel shall be large enough to accommodate all the mandatory label information required to be placed on the container with clarity and conspicuousness and without obscuring design, vignettes, or crowding.
  • The information panel as it applies to packaged food means that part of the label immediately contiguous and to the right of the principal display panel (PDP) as observed by an individual facing the principal display panel.
  • If the Top View and/or the Front Lip are selected as the PDP, the information panel would consist of the panel immediately contiguous and to the right of the selected PDP's.

The Statement of Identity (EGGS):

  • The Statement of Identity (EGGS) must appear on the PDP.
  • The Statement of Identity (EGGS) must be in bold print and be at least 1/2 the type size of the largest print on the Principal Display Panel (PDP).
  • The Statement of Identity (EGGS) must be parallel to the base of the container (carton opening) or the label.

Grade: (AA, A or B)

  • The Grade must appear on the PDP. Type size must be a minimum of 1/4.

Egg Size Designation:

  • (Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small, or Pee Wee)
  • Must appear on the Principal Display Panel (PDP).
  • Type size must be a minimum of 1/4.

Declaration of Net Quantity of Content:

  • The Net Content must be listed on the Principal Display Panel (PDP). Net Content must be stated as: 6 Eggs, Half Dozen Eggs, 12 Eggs, One Dozen Eggs, 18 Eggs, One and Half Dozen Eggs, etc.

Minimum Type Size of Net Content labeling requirement:

  • Split 6-Egg Carton: 1/8" (25 to 100 square inches)
  • 12-Egg or 18-Egg Carton: 3/16" (25 to 100 square inches)
  • 30-Egg or 36-Egg Carton: 1/4" (100 to 400 square inches)
  • Letter heights pertain to upper case or capital letters. When upper and lower case or all lower case letters are used, it is the lower case “o” or its equivalent that shall meet the minimum standards.

Legal Line

  • (Name, Address, City, State, and Zip Code)
  • The street address may be omitted if the location is listed in a local phone or business directory. If not, the address must appear in the legal line.
  • Type size must be at least a minimum of $ 1/16 $.

The Legal Line must be placed on the principal display panel (PDP) or information panel.

Safe Handling Instructions: FDA website

  • Safe Handling Instructions must be listed on the PDP, Information Panel, or In-Lid