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Selling Eggs
Depending on the type of egg sales conducted, an Illinois Egg License may be required for a person or business that traffics in eggs in Illinois. Qualifying egg producers, grading stations, distributors, jobbers & brokers are required to obtain an Illinois Egg License as defined in the Illinois Egg & Egg Products Act.
- Producers:
- If you are an egg producer, you may sell nest-run eggs from your own flock to household consumers. However, these sales are limited to direct sales to household consumers for their own personal use, and must be sold on the premises where the flock is located. This type of shell egg sale does not require an Illinois Egg License. Producer egg sales to licensed grading stations also do not require an egg license.
- Producers (Limited License):
- If you are an egg producer, and you wish to sell eggs from your own flock off the premises where the flock is located, you are required to obtain an Illinois Egg License. A Limited Producer-Dealer egg license is required for producers selling graded eggs produced by their own flock of fewer than 3000 birds. Wholesale and retail sales of eggs must meet all requirements found in the Illinois Egg & Egg Products Act.
- Producers (Full License):
- If you are an egg producer, and you wish to sell eggs from your own flock of 3,000 or more birds plus eggs from other than your own production, off the premises where your flock is located, you are required to obtain a Full Producer-Dealer egg license. Wholesale and retail sales of eggs must meet all requirements found in the Illinois Egg & Egg Products Act.
- Grading Stations:
- A Full license is required for a grading station. These locations candle and grade nest run eggs from various producers.
- Additional Classifications:
- Distributors and jobber or brokers who traffic in eggs in Illinois all require a Full egg license.
- Contact Information:
Illinois Department of Agriculture Egg Inspection Program,
Division of Food Safety & Animal Protection,
P.O. Box 19281,
Springfield, IL 62794-9281,
Phone: 217-524-1550
Supplies Needed Before Initial Inspection:
Candling light.
A scale for weighing your eggs.
New cartons for selling off the farm or to retail establishments.
Refrigeration- 45 degrees F or less with storage and transport.
USDA/FDA Approved - Cleaner/Sanitizer. Wash water needs to be 90 degrees F minimum.
Egg producers are encouraged to check with their local health department or farmer's market manager regarding any other requirements.