Frequently Asked Questions - Eggs

Frequently asked questions about selling shelled eggs.

Do I need a license to sell fresh shell eggs?

What information needs to be on the carton?

Can I reuse cartons?

Do I need to state a "Sell By" date or code?

Do eggs need to be kept refrigerated?

Do I need a license to sell fresh shell eggs?

No, provided your farm has less than 3,000 laying hens.

What information needs to be on the carton?

Each carton needs to plainly and conspicuously state the word "fresh," provided the eggs meet the Grade A standard. The FDA requires that consumer product labels state the identity of the product, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor, and the net quantity of contents.

Can I reuse cartons?

New Hampshire law does not deal with cartons, local health jurisdictions may require only new cartons to be used. In any case, cartons should be clean and not contain any markings that are not truthful and accurate.

Do I need to state a "Sell By" date or code?

No, however; to facilitate stock rotation, it is important that this type of code be on the carton.

Do eggs need to be kept refrigerated?

Yes, per FDA and local health officials, shell eggs held for retail sale must be refrigerated at a temperature less than 45°F.