Sec. 15.04.01.08. Prerequisites for Packing Shell Eggs

A. This regulation does not apply to a person who packs shell eggs that are sold for pasteurization.

B. A packer, including a repacker, shall:

(1) Register with the Department as provided under Regulation .09 of this chapter;

(2) On cartons of eggs and cases of loose eggs, legibly print, as provided under §C of this regulation, using a color of permanent ink that contrasts with the container's background, the following:

(a) A notice requiring that eggs be refrigerated;

(b) The name and address of the distributor, packer, or repacker;

(c) The registration number of the packer and, if the eggs have been repacked, the registration number of the repacker;

(d) The lot designations of the eggs;

(e) The identity of the product as eggs;

(f) The classification (size or weight) of the eggs;

(g) The quantity of eggs; and

(h) The grade of eggs;

(3) On cases containing eggs packed in cartons (if the required information is printed on the cartons), using a color of permanent ink that contrasts with the container's background, legibly print on either end of the case where the handles are located:

(a) A notice requiring that eggs be refrigerated;

(b) The identity of the product as eggs; and

(c) The eggs' grade term and size (weight) classification.

C. Manner of Printing Required Information.

(1) Eggs Packed in a Carton. If the eggs are packed in a carton, the packer shall print the information required under §B(2) of this regulation to be placed on a container as follows:

(a) Minimum Type Size of Printed Information. Unless otherwise provided under 21 CFR 101, the minimum type size shall be:

(i) For the net quantity statement, as provided under Table 1;

(ii) For grade term and size (weight) classification of eggs, at least 3/8 inch in height; and

(iii) For all remaining information, at least 1/16 inch in height.

(b) Where Information is to be Displayed.

(i) The identity of the product as eggs, the grade term and size (weight) classification of the eggs, and the quantity of eggs in weight or numerical count shall be placed on the carton's principal display panel.

(ii) The lot designations of the eggs, the packer's or distributor's name and address, and the packer's registration number may be placed on either the carton's information panel or the principal display panel.

(iii) A notice requiring that the eggs be refrigerated shall be placed on the carton's principal display panel unless the carton is a full view carton, in which case this notice may be displayed on the carton's information panel.

(c) Grade and Size. The exact grade and size shall be plainly printed in block letters. Abbreviations of any grade term or size (weight) classification is not permitted.

(2) Loose Eggs Packed in a Case. If loose eggs are packed in a case, the packer shall print the information required under §B(2) of this regulation to be placed on a container as follows:

(a) Minimum Type Size of Printed Information. Except for that information placed within official USDA identification stamps, all information shall be at least 3/8 inch in height.

(b) Where Information is to be Displayed. The required information shall be placed on either end of the case where the handles are located.

(c) Grade and Size. The exact grade and size shall be plainly printed in block letters.

(3) Cases Containing Eggs Packed in Cartons. On cases containing eggs packed in cartons, the packer shall print the information required under §B(3) of this regulation to be placed on a case, as follows:

(a) Minimum Type Size of Printed Information. Except for that information placed within official USDA identification stamps, all information shall be at least 3/8 inch in height.

(b) Grade and Size. The exact grade and size shall be plainly printed in block letters.

D. Specifications.

TABLE 1
Minimum Type Size *	Area of Principal Display Panel
1/16 inch	5 square inches or less
1/8 inch	More than 5 square inches but not more than 25 square inches
3/16 inch	More than 25 square inches but not more than 100 square inches
1/4 inch	More than 100 square inches but not more than 400 square inches
1/2 inch	Over 400 square inches

* For the net quantity statements, the minimum type size is the smallest type size that is permitted based on the space available for labeling on the principal display panel. Determine the height of type of printing by measuring the height of the lower case letter "o" or its equivalent when mixed upper and lower case letters are used, or the height of the upper case letters when only upper case letters are used.