Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 700 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250

QAD 700 Table of Contents - Shell Egg Graders Procedures

QAD 701 Introduction - Shell Egg Grader Procedures

701.1 Purpose

701.2 Authority

701.3 Policy

701.4 Basis of Service

QAD 702 Grader and Plant Requirements

702.1 USDA Grader

702.2 Duties of a Shell Egg Grader 

702.2a Biosecurity Requirements

702.2b Company Quality Assurance Standards 

702.2c Safety

702.2d Utilization of Dark Time

702.3 Plant and Equipment Requirements for Grading Service

702.3a Designated Company Official

702.3b To be Furnished by the Plant 

702.3c Surveys 

702.4 Shell Egg Graders Filing System

702.5 Additional Equipment, Unused Forms, and Instruction Storage 

702.6 Disposition Schedule for Grading Program Records

Exhibit I QAD 100E Form: Plant Survey for Shell Egg Grading

Exhibit II Example: Designated company contact letter

QAD 703 Shell Eggs Eligible for Grading

703.1 Eggs of Current Production

703.2 Eggs Identified as Wholesome

703.3 Eggs Eligible for Identification with the USDA Grademark

703.3a Monitoring and Handling of Eggs Originating from Egg Laying Flocks in an 

Environment Testing Positive for the Presence of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) or 

Eggs from a Layer Flock Testing SE-Positive

703.3b Diversion

703.3c Company Notification of Egg Testing 

703.3d Positive-Egg Test Results

703.4 Cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Representatives or Other 

Government Agencies 

703.4a Plant Management’s Responsibility

703.4b Procedures to Follow When Product is Suspected of Being Adulterated Through 

Contaminated or Evident Tampering 

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 703.4c Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

 703.4d Reporting Tampering or Intentional Contamination

703.5 Refrigeration of Shell Eggs from Production to Processing in Accordance with FDA 

Regulations 

 703.5a Eggs Washed and Packaged for the Ultimate Consumer or Further Processed

 703.6 Avian Disease Restrictions

Exhibit I Example: Monitoring control of product from SE positive environmental sample 

Exhibit II Interagency Referral Report: Report of Alleged Violation of the Federal Food Drug 

and Cosmetic Act-Shell Eggs

QAD 704 Egg Packing and Packaging Materials 

704.1 Case and Container Examination 

704.2 Definition of Packing Materials

 704.2a Fiber Cases

 704.2b Baskets

 704.2c Portable Racks (Bossies)

 704.2d Palletized Primary Containers with Reinforced Corrugated Materials, Overwrapped 

with Film

 704.3 Standard Case Requirements

 704.4 Definitions of Packaging Materials

704.4a Filler Flats

704.4b Cartons 

704.4c Overwrap film

704.5 Sealing Cases

Exhibit I Case Strength Requirements

QAD 705 Official Plant Sanitation, Washing, Cooling, and Shell Egg Surveillance 

Requirements

705.1 Plant sanitation

705.1a Responsibility for Plant Sanitation

705.1b Sanitation Inspection Standards 

705.1c Pre-Operative Sanitation Inspections

705.1d Alternate Shell Egg Washer Reservoir Inspections

705.1e Heat Exchangers 

705.1f Recording Results 

705.1g Distribution

705.1h Packaging Material Storage Areas

705.1i Sanitation and Ambient Refrigeration of Transport Vehicles

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705.2 Shell Egg Washing

705.2a Water Potability Certification

705.2b Iron Content Analysis 

705.2c Procedures for Washing Eggs

705.2d Shell Egg Sanitizing

705.2e Ultra-violet Light for Disinfecting Shell Eggs

705.2f Ozone Use as an Antimicrobial Agent 

705.2g Shell Egg Protectant (oiling) 

705.3 Approval of Compounds

705.4 Cooling Facility Requirements

705.4a Cooler Verification

705.4b Thermometer Certification

705.4c Refrigeration of Product

705.5 Shell Egg Surveillance (SES) Responsibilities

705.5a SES Quarterly Inspection Responsibilities

705.5b SES Labeling Responsibilities

705.5c SES Grading Responsibilities

705.6 Shipping of Non-Denatured Inedible Egg Products

705.6a Responsibilities of Plant Management

705.6b Origin Inspector responsibilities

Exhibit I LP-74: Pre-Operative Shell Egg Plant Sanitation Report

Exhibit II Pre-Operative Shell Egg Plant Sanitation Report (Example) 

Exhibit III Examples of appropriate remarks for the LP-74 Sanitation Report 

Exhibit IV QAD 705A: Water Potability and Iron Certification Log

Exhibit V QAD 705B: Notice of Guarantee for Approval of Compounds

Exhibit VI QAD 705C: Chemical Compound Log

Exhibit VII Shell Egg Surveillance Labeling 

QAD 706 Basics of Grading

706.1 Placement of Container

706.2 Eggs to Grade

706.3 Items to Observe Continuously

706.4 Segregation of Egg While Grading

706.5 How to Replace Graded Eggs in the Sample Case

706.6 Weighing

706.7 Assignment of Grades

706.7a Examples of Correct Grade Terminology 

706.7b Assigning a Consumer Grade 

706.7c Assigning a Nest Run Class

706.8 Official Identification of Cases

706.8a How and What to Stamp 

706.8b Types of Stamps to Use 

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 706.8c Computer Generated Stamps

 706.8d Obliteration of Official Identification

 

 

706.9 Sampling and Grading Over-Wrap/Shrink-Wrap Product (Origin Plant)

706.10 Repackaging Eggs Shipped from another Official Plant

706.11 Handling of Officially Identified Eggs Rejected by USDA at Locations Other than 

Where Packed

 706.11a Eggs Rejected for Quality and/or size 

 706.11b Documentation of Rejection 

 706.11c Product Re-handled at Location Other than Point of Rejection

 706.11d Supervisory Follow-up of Unsatisfactory Product 

 706.12 Consumer Grade-Labeled Product Which was not Officially Graded 

 706.12a Protect the Consumer

 706.12b Notice of Verbal Request

 706.12c Complete Inventory

 706.12d Request Letter from Firm

 706.12e Notification of Resistance

 706.12f Form LP-518-1 

Exhibit I Individual Egg Weight Table 

Exhibit II Minimum Net Weight for Various Egg Containers

QAD 707 Stationary Lot Grading Procedures 

 

 

 

707.1 General

707.2 Lot Identification

707.3 Size of Sample

707.4 Random Sample Selection – Stationary Lot Gradings

 

 

 

707.5 Completion of Sample Selection Worksheet

707.6 Selecting the Sample

707.7 Identifying Designated Samples

 707.7a Product on Pallets

 707.7b Product on Racks (“Bossies”)

 707.7c Sampling Partial Pallets or “Racks”

 

 

707.8 Consolidated Lot Grading

707.9 Eggs Not Processed Under USDA Supervision

707.10 Eggs Processed Under USDA Supervision

707.11 Identifying Lots of Improperly Labeled Eggs

 

 

 

707.12 Reworking a Stationary Lot of Eggs

707.13 Previously Graded Product Received and Held in Official Plant

Exhibits Cooler Sample Worksheets 1 – 19 

QAD 708 On-Line Sampling of Shell Eggs

708.1 General

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708.2 Line Identity

708.3 Product Control 

 708.3a Designated Plant Employee

 708.3b Sampling Intervals

 708.3c Measurement

 708.3d Identification System for Samples

 708.3e Overlapping 

 708.3f Stacking Product 

 708.4 Sampling Frequency 

708.4a Determination Primarily by Volume

708.4b Sampling Following a Retention

708.4c Sampling Frequency Adjustments 

708.4d Assuring That Minimum Sampling Requirements are Met

 

 

708.5 Lot Numbering, Expiration Dating, and Plant Number Verifications

708.5a Lot Numbering Consumer Packages 

708.5b Expiration Dating (Domestic Market Policy)

708.5c USDA Plant Number, Lot Number, and Expiration Date Application 

708.6 Recording and Evaluation of Sampling Results

708.6a Forms

708.6b Tolerances

708.6c Carryover 

708.7 Completing Form(s) LP-75

708.7a General Information Section

708.7b Line / Sample Identity Section

708.7c Section I (Grade)

708.7d Section II (Checks)

708.7e Section III (Dirty, Leakers, and Loss) 

708.7f Section IV (Large Spots)

708.7g Section V (Individual Under Weights) 

708.7h Section VI (Case or Container Weights)

708.7i Sampling Summary Section (reverse side)

708.7j Washing / Sanitizing Section 

708.7k Cooler Section 

708.7l Comment log

708.7m Restricted / Inedible Labeling

708.7n Scale Verifications

 708.8 Retention Action

708.8a Cumulative Sampling Results

708.8b Use of USDA HOLD Tag - Form LP-36 

708.8c Handling Retained Product 

708.8d Sampling Retained Product 

 708.9 Official Identification of On-line Product

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708.10 Cooler Samples 

 708.10a Cooler Sample Procedures

708.11 Online Grading of Non-Identified Products (Quality Control Sampling)

708.11a Approval 

708.11b Identification

708.11c Frequency 

 708.11d Retention

 708.11e Volume Reporting

 708.11f Discontinuation of QC Sampling 

 708.12 Alternative Sampling Options for High Volume Plants

708.12a Quality Assurance Inspector 

Exhibit I Day of the Year Chart

Exhibit II LP-75: Shell Egg Online Candling Record

Exhibit III LP-516: Product Retention Log

Exhibit IV Retained Product Transfer / Release Memorandum

Exhibit V Cooler Sample Worksheet

QAD 709 Special Gradings

709.1 Partial Gradings

709.2 Institutional Gradings - Contract Acceptance

709.3 Specification Gradings

709.3a Specification Review and Approval Process

709.3b Certification of Specification Requirements

709.4 Marking Individual Eggs

709.4a Stamping Eggs 

709.4b Laser Etching (Marking Eggs)

709.5 Military or Other Special Gradings

709.6 Condition Inspection of Shell Eggs 

709.6a Certification Covering Truck Damage

709.6b Certification Covering Frozen Egg Damage 

709.6c Certification Covering Off-Odor Eggs or Otherwise Contaminated Eggs 

709.7 U.S. Grade A or AA Interior Quality for Egg Products

709.8 Use of “Produced From” Labeling

709.8a Approval 

709.8b Verification Visits

709.8c Record Keeping 

709.8d Misuse of “Produced From” Labeling

709.9 Kosher Certification of Shell Eggs

709.10 Certification of Shell Eggs as Fit for Human Consumption

709.11 Certification of Organic Shell Eggs

709.11a Responsibility 

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709.11b Product Labeling Requirements 

709.11c Verification and Control

 709.11d Official Certification

709.12 United Egg Producers (UEP) Certified

709.13 Recognized Organizations Certifying Animal Husbandry Practices for Egg-Laying 

Flocks 

709.14 Cage-Free or Free-Range Egg Production Verification Procedures 

709.15 Appeal Gradings 

709.15a Who Must Perform the Appeal Grading

709.15b Procedures for Appeal Grading 

 

 

709.16 Export Certification

Exhibit I Specification Approval Letter

Exhibit II Recognized Certification Standards for Cage-Free Layer Flocks

Exhibit III Semi-Annual Cage-Free Layer Flock Verification Worksheet (Example)

Exhibit IV Semi-Annual Cage-Free Layer Flock Verification Worksheet

QAD 710 Certificate and Memorandum Preparation

710.1 Preparation and Distribution of Worksheets

710.1a Guidelines Regarding Use

710.1b Entries Required

710.1c LP-211 Reverse Side 

710.1d Defect Abbreviations 

710.1e B and B* Quality 

710.1f Dirties and Checks

710.1g Loss

710.1h Under __ oz 

710.1i Shortages 

710.1j Case Temperature

710.2 LP-210S: Shell Egg Grading Certificate

710.2a General Information Concerning Certificates

710.2b Preparation of Certificate

710.3 Quality and Net Weight Certification of On-Line Sampled Shell Eggs 

710.3a Procedures When Sufficient Online Samples Are Examined During Processing 

710.3b Procedures When Insufficient On-line Samples Are Examined During Processing 

710.4 Certificate Distribution

710.5 Correction of LP-210S Certificate Errors

710.5a “Void” Certificates

710.5b Certificate Amendments

710.5c Superseded Certificates

Exhibit I Shell Egg Grading Certificate Amendment

Exhibit II Superseded Certificate Example 

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QAD 711 Shell Egg Volume Report, ABI and/or Form LP-240S 

711.1 Purpose 

711.2 Responsibility 

711.3 Completion of Report

711.3a AMS Billing & Information System (ABI) 

711.3b LP-240S 

711.3c Guidelines for Volume Reporting Entries (ABI & LP-240S) 

711.3d Distribution

Exhibit I LP-240S 

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Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 701 Procedure

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022 

Service Washington, DC 20250

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QAD 701: INTRODUCTION – SHELL EGG GRADER PROCEDURES

701.1 Purpose

701.1a The 700 Procedure Series contains detailed information and explanations concerning 

technical aspects of the voluntary shell egg grading program. It is a working tool for the 

use of supervisors and graders. 

701.1b Notifications will be emailed to employees when revisions are made to the various sections. 

701.2 Authority

The authority for these procedures is contained in the: 

• Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs (7 CFR part 56).

• United States Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs (AMS 56).

• Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA) of 1946, as amended.

• Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs (Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA))

(7 CFR part 57) provides the authority for the Shell Egg Surveillance Program.

701.3 Policy

It is the responsibility of each grading supervisor and grader to understand the information contained in 

the procedures. Plant management and other stakeholders may find the current version on the AMS 

website. 

701.4 Basis of Service

Shell egg grading service is rendered in accordance with the shell egg regulations and standards 

described in Section 701.2 above for class, quality, quantity, condition, or any combination thereof. 

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Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 702 Procedure

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 July 25, 2022 

Service Washington, DC 20250

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QAD 702: GRADER AND PLANT REQUIREMENTS

702.1 USDA Grader

A USDA, AMS grader (grader) may be either a Federal or State employee who is licensed and 

authorized to certify to interested parties the class, quality, quantity, or condition of shell eggs. 

Graders must limit their activities to the official plant(s) at which they are stationed unless specifically 

assigned by their supervisor to perform grading service elsewhere. Graders are required to limit their 

activities to grading and related grading work as described in this procedure and in their job 

description. 

702.2 Duties of a Shell Egg Grader

A grader’s primary responsibility is to accurately assign the correct grade and size to each lot to be 

graded. When requested by the applicant, the grader will assign the class, quantity, or condition, or 

any combination thereof. Federal employees are required to make appropriate entries in the AMS 

Billing and Information System (ABI), at the end of each working day. State-employed graders are to 

follow their supervisors’ instructions for preparing time and attendance reports. 

702.2a Biosecurity Requirements

Biosecurity procedures established by egg producers and packers include a range of measures focusing 

upon reducing the risk of the transmission of avian disease and Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in layer 

flocks to food safety. Recognizing that pet birds, waterfowl, seabirds, etc. are a vector for the 

transmission of avian disease and SE, current QAD 730: QAD Biosecurity Policy states that graders are 

prohibited from raising or working with small home flocks of poultry or possessing exotic birds. 

When grading service is implemented at an egg grading plant that includes an associated egg 

production plant, plant management must provide a detailed description of any biosecurity 

measures/procedures to be followed at the processing plant by USDA representatives. The Food and 

Drug Administration’s Regulations for the Prevention of SE in Layer Flocks identifies biosecurity as a 

major element of an egg producer’s plan. 

Consequently, the level of biosecurity may change depending on the status of a layer flock at the 

production site. These procedures shall be reviewed with the supervisor for acceptance determination. 

Any impact upon providing grading service will be reviewed with plant management at this time. The 

review is to determine if the grading service can comply with the proposed biosecurity procedure. 

When determined acceptable, the company biosecurity procedures will be placed in the USDA 

grader’s files (file folder 2) for reference by graders performing relief grading service. All USDA 

representatives providing grading service at the processing plant will follow the accepted company 

biosecurity procedures. 

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702.2b Company Quality Assurance Standards 

As quality and food safety factors receive further attention, national brand distributors, volume food 

buyers, grocery chains, etc., have requested that egg suppliers comply with the standards described by 

the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The egg processors have responded to these requirements 

through internal quality assurance and food safety programs GFSI standards. To assure conformance, 

egg processors employ an independent third-party auditor to verify the program meets established 

minimum requirements. An egg processor’s quality assurance and food safety program may include 

specific requirements that exceed that identified in this procedure and may also require USDA 

representatives working in the processing plant to sign a document confirming knowledge for 

continued conformance with these requirements. The supervisor shall be responsible for the review 

and acceptance of proposed quality assurance procedures requiring USDA graders as third-party 

contactors for grading service to follow stringent procedures exceeding USDA minimum standards. 

When egg processors requests USDA representatives to sign a document relative to a company’s 

quality assurance and food safety program, the document will be forwarded to the Regional Director 

and the National Office for review prior to acceptance.

Recognizing that USDA daily inspection and grading records reflect the sanitary conditions and the 

quality of a significant volume of product packaged in a plant, a company representative may request 

authorization for an auditor to review related official records such as the LP-75 forms under 

continuous USDA oversight. 

The review (not copying) by an auditor of official documents related to quality assurance and 

sanitation completed by the USDA grader may be authorized by the supervisor under the provisions 

that such records will not leave the plant and be returned to the USDA grader for filing by the end of 

the established tour of duty. The Regional Office will be advised of all company requests for review 

of official documents related to quality assurance and sanitation. 

702.2c Safety

Observance of safety rules is an essential duty of each grader. Common attributes of an egg processing 

plant include the use of chemical compounds, potentially slick processing room floors, floor drains, 

electrical equipment, moving conveyors, and forklifts. The USDA grader must be aware of the 

conditions in the work area during processing. When a hazard is observed, report it at once to plant 

management and document the conditions observed. If correction is not satisfactorily completed, 

report the matter to your supervisor. 

Refer to QAD 1701 Procedure: Safety and Health Program.

702.2d Utilization of Dark Time

Refer to QAD 405 and QAD 1603 for complete instructions. 

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702.3 Plant and Equipment Requirements for Grading Service

702.3a Designated Company Official 

Plant management must provide the USDA Grader with a letter designating the company official(s) on 

each shift to contact for resolving problems in connection with rendering grading service, see Exhibit 

II. The designated company contact must always be available during an established shift. This letter

must be prepared on company letterhead and signed by plant management. The designated letter is to

be placed in file 2a of the Shell Egg Graders Filing System.

702.3b To Be Furnished by the Plant: (7 CFR 56.17 and 56.76)

Refer to QAD 100: Application for Service for office, booth, and equipment requirements furnished by 

the plant. 

After grading service is inaugurated, it is the responsibility of the grader assigned to the plant to 

determine that the plant and operating procedures which were approved are maintained.

702.3c Surveys 

A QAD 100E Form: Plant Survey for Shell Egg Grading (Exhibit I) is to be completed and submitted 

to the Regional Office for approval. All plant facilities and equipment must be approved before 

service may be rendered (7 CFR 56.75 and 56.76).

702.4 Shell Egg Graders Filing System

The responsibility for a current filing and maintenance system for instructions, supplies, 

memorandums, reports, certificates, etc., is an essential part of a grader’s duties. Adequate file 

cabinets must be available at each plant and files are to be kept locked when not in use. File folders 

are to be stored vertically beginning with file No. 1 in the front of the cabinet and working toward the 

back for additional folders. Three ring binders may be used in lieu of file folders, as long as the 

general order outlined below is followed and no confidential information is stored outside of the 

locked filing cabinet. All filing systems should be set up on a uniform basis following the general 

guide plan shown below. 

1. Printed volume reports and supporting billing documentation when applicable. (eg. State

trust billing documents.)

2. Information for relief graders as follows:

2a. Information relevant to the plant and local area including Wi-Fi passwords, door codes, 

shift times, and any other pertinent information. 

2b. Signed letters from plant management, including company biosecurity policy, designated 

company officials, wholesomeness certification, verification of eggs of current production, 

request to remove undergrade eggs, request to grade all product to grade AA standards, 

descriptions of alternate lot number or pallet stacking procedures, etc.

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2c. Signed letters from AMS Supervisors, Regional Directors, or the National Office including 

LP-110: Work Schedule Request, approval of Quality control forms, approval of alternate 

systems for identifying official samples, Noise level records.

2d. Copies of annual scale and/or test weight certifications.

3a. Current in-progress LP-210S: Shell Egg Grading Certificates, memorandums, and 

worksheets. 

3b. Completed file copies of issued LP-210S: Shell Egg Grading Certificates with supporting 

documentation. 

3c. Form LP-185: Consignment, Receipt, and Disposition with current pad of unused numbered 

certificates, if present.

3d. Completed Form LP-185: Consignment, Receipt, and Disposition record.

4a. Completed Form LP-75’s, daily candling worksheets. 

4b. Form LP-516: Product Retention Log; Retained Product Transfer/Release Memorandum.

4c. Completed Form LP-74: Pre-Operative Shell Egg Plant Sanitation Report. 

4d. Completed Reports of Alleged Violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. 

4e. Completed cooler sample worksheets. 

4f. Approvals for alternate inspection frequencies for heat exchangers or wash reservoirs 

(signed by supervisor). 

5a. Form LP-238: Grading Stamp Control Record and the list of users of USDA grading 

stamps.

5b. Completed copies of the List of Authorized Users of USDA Grading Stamps 

6. Chemical Compound log with approval letters. 

7a. Current NPIP VS9-3 forms with Certificate of Conformance on company letterhead. 

7b. Export related verification documents (e.g., Environmental Sampling Log for Canada). 

8. Specialty egg verifications, certifications, and approved segregation plans. 

9. Institutional purchase information, approved commercial specifications, and materials of 

this type. Only store this information locally if unable to access through AGNIS. All 

proprietary information (e.g., commercial specifications) must be in grader’s possession, or 

under lock and key at all times. 

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10. Label Log with attached forms LP-221: Label Notice and approved labeling material. State 

egg laws with specific labeling requirements if applicable. FDA approval letters overwrap 

materials.

11. Water and iron content analysis reports and water certification log. 

12. Grader’s copy of Form LP-156: Shell Egg Regulatory Inspection Report. 

In some cases, additional folders may be necessary at the discretion of the supervisor. Additional 

folders may follow in numerical order, as necessary. However, when adding new folders, careful 

adherence to the current filing system is mandatory. 

702.5 Additional Equipment, Unused Forms, and Instruction Storage

Official grade identification stamps, unused numbered certificates, unused officially accountable 

forms, and printed copies of commercial specifications must be kept in a locked drawer or file which is 

accessible only to authorized personnel. 

Each official plant is to be supplied with a government-owned lock for securing the files. The use of 

the keys to these locks must be restricted to authorized USDA personnel, only. Duplicate keys must be 

obtained from the AMS supervisor. 

Supervisors are required to check grader’s files and record their observations on Form LP-227: Review 

of Employee Performance and Worksite Facilities. 

702.6 Disposition Schedule for Grading Program Records

The disposition schedule for grading records is located at QAD 437 on QAD AGNIS. 

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EXHIBIT II

(EGG COMPANY LETTERHEAD)

May 4, 2022

Rohare’s Egg Company 

10553 Chicken Road

Anytown, MD 20220 

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: 

We designate, Shannon Peterson, Production Manager, as the company employee required to furnish the USDA 

grader and other voluntary grading service personnel with information necessary for rendering official grading 

service. 

We designate the following company employees/titles for the USDA grader to notify when specific problems arise 

relating to the day-to-day grading activities: 

• Michelle Merr, Processing Room Supervisor

• Bob Wilson, Packaging Supervisor

• Jose Lombardozzi, Loading Supervisor

• Bucky Goldstein, Clean-up Supervisor

Sincerely, 

____________________

President, Rohare’s Egg Company

Christine Hansen

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Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 703 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250

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QAD 703: SHELL EGGS ELIGIBLE FOR GRADING

703.1 Eggs of Current Production

Eggs of current production means shell eggs that are no more than 21 days old (date of the final gather 

from layer house) are eligible for grading in accordance with the U.S. Standards, Grades, and Weight 

Classes for Shell Eggs, AMS 56.

For example: Completion of the gathering of eggs at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2019, will be 

identified with the production date 08-26-2019 representing the first day of the 21 days. 

703.2 Eggs Identified as Wholesome

Eggs identified as wholesome are defined as shell eggs that have not been contaminated or adulterated. 

Any eggs on the premises of an official plant that are contaminated or adulterated must be properly 

segregated, identified, and controlled by plant management. This includes eggs identified through a 

condition inspection for quality (sensory/organoleptic examination) such as the odor of smoke or 

residual chemical odor, mold, and the following:

A. Eggs tested positive for the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis (identified as adulterated).

B. Eggs that have been retrieved by the packer as a result of contamination of the product. 

703.3 Eggs Eligible for Identification with the USDA Grademark

The applicant requesting service is responsible for presenting only eggs that are wholesome and 

unadulterated for grading in accordance with minimum quality standards for identification with the 

USDA grademark. In signing the LP-109: Application for Service, or a State-Trust State’s Application 

for Service, plant management for a shell egg processing plant agrees to notify the USDA, AMS grader 

(grader) of any contaminated or adulterated (chemical, physical, or biological agents) shell eggs in the 

plant and assure proper identification, segregation, and inventory control of such product. This 

includes eggs originating from a layer flock that tests positive for the presence of Salmonella 

Enteritidis (SE). Additionally, plant management must inform USDA of any company retrievals, eggs 

subject to a market withdrawal, or any retrieved eggs received at the plant and procedures for control 

of such eggs. 

The USDA, AMS grader and supervisor will review the detailed description and implementation of the 

identification, segregation, and the inventory control for eggs detained by the company. When the 

company’s detention procedures are determined inadequate for control of such product, the grader will 

retain the product following procedures outlined in QAD 708: On-line Sampling of Shell Eggs.

703.3a Monitoring and Handling of Eggs Originating from Egg Laying Flocks in an Environment 

Testing Positive for the Presence of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) or Eggs from a Layer Flock 

Testing SE-Positive. 

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The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations for the prevention of Salmonella enteritidis in 

shell eggs during production, storage, and transportation (21 CFR 118) requires shell egg producers to 

generate food safety information that may impact an egg processor’s eligibility to use the USDA 

grademark. The FDA has identified fresh shell eggs that test positive for SE as adulterated, requiring 

treatment to destroy the microorganism.

The FDA regulations require egg producers to monitor the layer house environment. When these 

monitoring procedures require testing of eggs for the presence of SE, the producer/processor is 

responsible for notifying the grader of the date of collection of the eggs for testing, identity of the 

house(s) involved, and the date test results are received. The processor may package eggs from the 

layer house(s) being tested, but any product identified with the USDA grademark must be controlled 

until the plant presents negative test results.

The FDA regulations require egg producers to test the layer house environment for the presence of SE. 

When an environmental sample result is positive for SE, the producer/processor must: 

1. Inform the grader of the identity and location of the layer house flock(s) and the date 

laboratory results were received.

2. If plant management acknowledges the receipt of eggs from a layer house flock with a SEpositive environment, the grader is to request the following information:

a) If management will elect to test the eggs for the presence of SE in accordance with FDA 

regulations to determine if production from the identified layer house flock(s) can 

continue to be marketed to the table egg market?

b) If management is not going to test the eggs, will the eggs be diverted for treatment to 

destroy SE for the remainder of the production cycle of the layers?

c) Will any eggs from the identified layer flock(s), enter the official processing plant? If 

plant management confirms that the eggs will be stored in the plant, a copy of the 

company’s segregation plan shall be reviewed with and remain accessible by the grader to 

aid in monitoring the segregation process. 

d) If management elects to depopulate the layer flock(s) and proceed with the cleaning and 

disinfecting of the layer house, what is the estimated date of depopulation? 

Upon obtaining the above information, the grader will promptly notify the immediate supervisor and 

provide relevant information reported by plant management regarding the identified layer flock(s), 

(approximate number of layers, identity, and location), and plant management’s decision on handling 

the affected eggs.

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QAD 703 Procedure 

June 6, 2022 

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703.3b Diversion

When eggs from a layer house(s) have been determined positive for the presence of SE, are diverted 

for the remainder of the flock’s production cycle, the pallet, case, or other shipping container must be 

legibly and conspicuously labeled with the following statement:

“Federal law requires that these eggs must be treated to achieve at least a 5-log destruction of 

Salmonella Enteritidis or processed as egg products in accordance with the Egg Products Inspection 

Act, 21 CFR 118.6 (f).” 

If plant management elects to divert eggs from a layer house with SE-positive environment, the 

grader(s) must monitor and verify the plant’s segregation plan assures that, when required, the eggs 

designated for diversion are not commingled with eggs eligible for packing and distribution, in 

commerce.

703.3c Company Notification of Egg Testing 

A company may elect to test eggs from the identified flock(s) in accordance with FDA regulations. 

When the grader receives notification of a negative-egg test result from an identified flock(s):

1. Confirm through company records the date in which the negative-egg test results were 

received.

2. Release for distribution into commerce all of the detained eggs identified with the USDA 

grademark back to the time and date of collection of egg samples to be tested.

Note: Eggs packed in containers that are not identified with the USDA grademark packaged during 

the period while awaiting egg test results may be distributed in commerce in accordance with the 

referenced FDA regulations. If egg test results are SE-positive, the egg packer must issue a market 

retrieval of eggs packaged and distributed subsequent to the collection of the samples for egg testing.

A company may elect to continue testing eggs from the identified flock(s) in accordance with FDA 

regulations by conducting a total of 4 consecutive tests taken not more than 2 weeks apart. When the 

company elects to continue the testing of eggs, the grader will request the following information and 

follow the guidance below: 

3. Company management will provide notification to the grader of the date of collection of eggs 

for each consecutive test.

4. The grader will follow the procedures outlined above, in 703.3c 1. and 2. until four 

consecutive, negative-egg test results are achieved.

5. When additional testing of the identified flock (s) is conducted in accordance with the 

requirements stated in the FDA regulations or in accordance with a State SE monitoring 

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program, company management must notify the grader of the sample collection date for 

control of eggs as outlined above. 

Note: An example of testing and monitoring periods is detailed in (Exhibit I). 

703.3d Positive-Egg Test Results

Eggs testing SE-positive must be diverted for treatment (breaking for pasteurization, hard cooking, or 

other FDA-approved process). Additionally, in accordance with the regulations, 

1. All eggs testing SE-positive must be labeled as stated below in accordance with FDA 

regulations. 

“Federal law requires that these eggs must be treated to achieve at least a 5-log destruction 

of Salmonella Enteritidis or processed as egg products in accordance with the Egg Products 

Inspection Act, 21 CFR 118.6 (f).” 

2. All eggs from a layer flock(s) with an SE-positive test result entering an official shell egg 

plant must be labeled and controlled as stated in the company’s procedures to assure the 

adulterated eggs are not commingled with other eggs determined eligible to be identified with 

the USDA grademark. When the company elects to conclude the production cycle and 

depopulate the identified layer flock(s), the grader must be notified, and the information 

recorded on the company’s control records. 

Additional guidance may be provided by the supervisor to address detailed control procedures at each 

official plant testing eggs originating from a layer house with an SE-positive environment as provided 

in the referenced FDA regulations. 

703.4 Cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration Representatives or Other 

Government Agencies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains jurisdiction for the production and processing of 

shell eggs in accordance with good manufacturing practices to assure that the product is safe for human 

consumption. Therefore, FDA officials may visit shell egg plants to observe operations and collect 

market survey samples for a variety of analysis.

When an FDA representative visits a plant the grader shall cooperate, to the extent possible without 

neglecting required grading and certification duties. If the FDA representative is introduced, exchange 

official identification and contact information. If the grader is invited to accompany the FDA 

representative during a tour of the egg processing plant, the grader will determine if it is feasible. The 

grader shall inform the FDA representative of availability to review observations or any deficiency to be 

included in a report relative to sanitary conditions and processing of shell eggs. The grader will not be 

present during FDA discussions with plant management.

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The grader will immediately (same day) inform the supervisor of the visit from the FDA 

representative(s), providing all relative contact information and comments regarding the egg processing 

plant. Visits to an in-line egg production plant focusing solely on the egg production must also be 

reported. This information will be forwarded to the National Office by the Regional Office as soon as 

practical.

703.4a Plant Management’s Responsibility

Plant management at an official shell egg plant is responsible for notifying the grader within 1 business 

day of occurrence, whenever contaminated or adulterated shell eggs are present in the official shell egg 

plant. Any shell eggs identified as contaminated or adulterated must be properly labeled and controlled 

by plant management. This includes shell eggs originating from a layer house with a positive 

environment for Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) or eggs testing positive for the presence of SE. Failure to 

control, detain and/or notify the grader of the presence of contaminated or adulterated shell eggs in the 

official plant will constitute a violation of the regulations.

703.4b Procedures to Follow When Product is Suspected of Being Adulterated Through 

Contaminated or Evident Tampering 

Graders must be alert for any possible product contamination, either accidental or intentional. 

Although processors may have extensive preventative and security measures in place, graders may 

encounter product that may be suspected of or found to be contaminated. Contamination may be from 

various sources such as:

• Chemical Agents - Agents usually delivered as airborne droplets, liquids, aerosols, or solids. 

Additionally, these agents can include toxic industrial chemicals such as pesticides, 

rodenticides, and heavy metals.

• Biological Agents - Agents that are generally in the form of bacteria, toxins, viruses, and 

parasites and are usually delivered through liquids, aerosols, or solids. 

• Physical Agents - Materials that could cause adverse health effects if consumed. Examples 

include bones or hard-like materials, glass fragments, and metal pieces or filings.

After review by applicable parties, the supervisor will provide the grader guidance in determining what 

further action is to be taken. 

703.4c Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

In accordance with the MOU between the agencies, graders and Shell Egg Surveillance Inspectors will 

report the observation of the violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that 

reflect a high risk or probable contamination while conducting grading or inspection activities. When 

graders encounter evident instances of adulteration or contamination, the affected product must be 

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June 6, 2022 

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retained to prevent further distribution in marketing channels. Upon review of the information 

provided, additional guidance for contacting the FDA District Office and further guidance for the 

grader will be provided to the supervisor. The detailed information and observations regarding such an 

incident will be reported immediately to the supervisor and plant management. The supervisor will 

complete the Interagency Referral Report (Exhibit II) and submit the report through the Regional 

Office to the National Office for electronic transmission to FDA.

703.4d Reporting Tampering or Intentional Contamination

When graders encounter probable instances of contamination or evident tampering, the identified shell 

eggs will be retained. The grader will contact the supervisor to provide detailed information pertaining 

to the incident. The supervisor will report the information through the Regional Office to the National 

Office. Upon receipt of information relative to final disposition of the retained product the information 

will be forwarded to the National Office. In instances of tampering or intentional contamination, the 

supervisor is to notify FDA and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) by calling their local district 

offices or their 24- hour emergency numbers:

• FDA: 1-866-300-4374 or (301) 796-8240

• OIG: (202) 720-8001

703.5 Refrigeration of Shell Eggs from Production to Processing in Accordance with FDA 

Regulations 

The FDA Regulations for the prevention of Salmonella enteritidis in shell eggs during production, 

storage, and transportation establish the ambient refrigeration requirements for egg producers with 

3,000 or more layers. The following is a list of principal points defined in these regulations.

703.5a Eggs Washed and Packaged for the Ultimate Consumer or Further Processed

1. Nest run eggs that are not processed within 36 hours from the time of lay (date and time of 

final gathering) must be refrigerated at 45 ̊Fahrenheit or less during storage and transport.

2. The ambient refrigeration requirements in item 1 apply to:

a) Surplus or culled eggs originating from breeder flocks or hatcheries.

b) Restricted eggs segregated at a grading station for further processing at an official egg 

products plant. 

c) Loose packed, graded eggs held for reprocessing and repackaging into containers for sale 

to the ultimate consumer or diverted/traded as breaking stock.

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3. Refrigerated nest run eggs may be equilibrated up to 36 hours at room temperature prior to 

washing and grading to reduce the risk of thermal cracks. Only nest run eggs may be 

equilibrated at room temperature prior to processing.

Note: The equilibration time is not a cumulative period. For example: when nest run eggs are 

removed from refrigerated storage to an unrefrigerated area (processing room) awaiting processing, but

then returned to a refrigerated storage area 10 hours later, the equilibration period is terminated for the 

lot of nest run eggs.

When the equilibration period for a lot of eggs has been terminated, that lot cannot be brought out to 

the processing room for the equilibration process again. The lot must be immediately placed on the

line for processing/reprocessing or for packaging only. Product brought out into the processing room 

is limited to a pallet at a time and must be actively transferred to the grading machine.

If product is brought out for placement on the grading machine for processing/reprocessing or 

packaging, and is not actively transferred to the grading machine, it is no longer eligible to be 

processed/reprocessed or packaged into USDA grademarked product. At this point, if the 

company/plant elects to process/reprocess or package the pallet of eggs into non-USDA grademarked 

product, the grader is to allow them to do so; however, the grader must notify their immediate 

supervisor, who must complete the FDA, Interagency Referral Report (Exhibit II).

It is recommended that the grader review these requirements with plant management to assure that the 

eggs remain eligible for grading.

The scheduled grader is not required to specifically monitor the egg processing plant’s conformance 

with these FDA regulatory refrigeration requirements. However, if nonconformance is evident, 

contact the supervisor. The supervisor will provide guidance regarding refrigeration nonconformance 

and the eligibility of the eggs to be identified with the USDA grademark at the official plant. 

Additionally, the supervisor will complete the FDA, Interagency Referral Report for submission to the 

National Office.

703.6 Avian Disease Restrictions

In the event of the detection of a highly pathogenic avian disease in egg-laying flocks in the United 

States, State and Federal veterinary service officials may establish restrictions to control potential 

transmission and eradicate such disease.

If detection is confirmed, officials with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), 

USDA, will identify the geographical area involved and define any restrictions regarding the 

movement and use of eggs originating from the identified layer flock(s). APHIS officials will notify 

the National Office with detailed information and instructions that will be distributed to all impacted 

shell egg graders.

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Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 703 Exhibit 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250 

EXHIBIT I 

Monitoring control of product from SE positive environmental sample 

EXAMPLE ONLY 

FDA requires four egg sampling periods: two-week intervals between sampling periods 

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 

Notification of 1st egg sample Negative-egg test 

SE Positive collected for results received. 

Environment testing. 

Monitor control of shielded product All eggs released 

No 

segregation 

Begin monitoring 

segregation & 

control of shielded 

until next sample 

is collected. 

necessary product. 

2nd egg sample Negative-egg test 

collected for results received. 

testing. 

Begin monitoring Monitor control of shielded product All eggs released 

until next sample 

segregation & is collected. 

control of shielded 

product. 

3rd egg sample Negative-egg test 

collected for results received. 

testing. 

Monitor control of shielded product All eggs released 

Begin monitoring until next sample 

segregation & is collected. 

control of shielded 

product. 

4th egg sample Negative-egg test 

collected for results received. 

testing. 

Monitor control of shielded product All eggs released. 

Begin monitoring No further 

segregation & 

control of shielded 

eggs. 

testing 

required 

*If company elects to process eggs into final packaging, USDA is only required to monitor segregation & control of

product identified with the grade shield. Segregation and control of non-shielded eggs is the responsibility of the plant

management. (Refer to “Note” below section 703.3c 2.)

**Management may choose to segregate nest run, washed un-graded, or graded and unpackaged eggs until negative-egg 

test results are received. In this case, USDA graders are to monitor the company’s segregation & control of product within 

the plant to prevent co-mingling into shielded packaging. 

***If shielded product is distributed before negative-egg test results are received, contact your supervisor. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

Page 25

Back to Top 
 

QAD 703: Exhibit II 

Report of Alleged Violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act – Shell Eggs 

1. Name and Address of Establishment: (City, State, Zip Code) 2. Name of Reporting Employee: 5. Date of Alleged Violation: 

6. Date Report Completed: 

3. Title of Reporting Employee: 7. Establishment Identification Number: 

AMS Plant Number: 

EPIA Registrant Number: 

State Identification Number: 

4. Name of Reporting Employee’s Agency: 

DESCRIPTION OF ALLEGED VIOLATION 

8. Facility Description: (i.e. Farm, warehouse, processing facility, manufacturing facility, etc.) 

9. Violation Observation: (i.e. Who, What, Where, When, How, Significance, etc.) 

10. List of Products Potentially Affected: 

11. Description of Specific Location within a Facility Where Violation Occurred: (i.e. Dry Storage Room, Processing Line, Loading Dock, etc.) 

12. Action Taken by Reporting Agency, if Applicable/Authorized: (i.e. USDA Retain Tag Numbers Used, Notification of Plant Management, etc.) 

13. Additional Comments: 

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Page 26
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 704 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022 

Service Washington, DC 20250

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QAD 704: EGG PACKING AND PACKAGING MATERIALS

704.1 Case and Container Examination 

The grader will observe the condition of the sample cases or containers and classify the material as 

new, good used, poor used, or worthless. Eggs which are to be officially identified with the consumer 

grademark shall be packaged only in new packaging materials and new or good used packing material. 

Packaging material from eggs that have been retained or reworked may be considered new if it has 

remained within the plant and not put into commercial circulation. When unsatisfactory packaging or 

packing materials are observed during online grading, the lot shall be retained back to the previous 

sample. The retained product can be released once the packaging and packing materials have been 

reworked and found acceptable by stationary lot sampling assessing only the packaging and packing 

materials.

When grading a stationary lot of eggs, record container size such as 30-dozen or 15-dozen and any 

variations in quality of case or containers in the remarks section on the memorandum (LP-211). If the 

lot consists of more than one type or quality of case or containers, record the actual number of each 

type and quantity. If the applicant does not elect to place them into separate groups, describe the lot 

with each adjective that is applicable; for example, good or poor used fiber corrugated cases. Egg case 

description includes the type of closure; for example, good used fiber corrugated cases, tops taped, or 

poor used fiber corrugated cases, tops glued. 

704.2 Definition of Packing Materials

704.2a Fiber Cases

• New: clean and rigid, shows no evidence of previous use. 

• Good Used: clean and free from odors, excessive stains, and mold. All seams secure, no 

torn material affecting construction, appearance of previous use that maintains its rigid 

construction.

• Poor Used: warped or sagging affecting rigid construction, stained, soiled, dirty, torn 

but free of odors and mold. 

• Worthless: any case not meeting the above classifications.

704.2b Baskets

1. Wire

• New/Good Used: free of soiled areas and rust, may exhibit previous use 

characteristics but not affecting the construction for protection of egg cartons or 

flats during handling and shipping. 

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QAD 704 Procedure 

June 6, 2022 

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• Poor: rusty or heavily soiled, misshapen affecting the ability to protect egg cartons 

or flats during handling and shipping. 

2. Plastic (including reusable plastic cases)

• New/Good Used: free of soiled areas and unacceptable odors, may exhibit previous 

use characteristics but not affecting the construction for protection of eggs in cartons 

or flats during handling and shipping. 

• Poor: heavily soiled, broken and unable to adequately protect egg cartons or flats 

during handling and shipping. 

704.2c Portable Racks (Bossies)

• New/Good Used: free of soiled areas, rust, and unacceptable odors, may exhibit 

previous use characteristics but not affecting construction for protection of egg in 

cartons or flats during handling and shipping. 

• Poor: broken unable to adequately protect egg cartons or flats during handling and

shipping. 

704.2d Palletized Primary Containers with Reinforced Corrugated Materials, Overwrapped with 

Film

1. Pallets

• New/Good Used: reasonably clean, unbroken, no evidence of adhering foreign 

material, no odors.

• Poor: dirty, broken, unacceptable odors, incapable of transporting eggs. 

2. Reinforcement Corrugation 

• New/Good Used: clean, free from odors, no evidence of moisture or excessive 

stains, and mold. All seams secure, no tears, appearance of one-time use that 

maintains its rigid construction.

• Poor: soiled, evidence of odor, mold, stained, tears. 

704.3 Standard Case Requirements

Each 30-dozen case shall be provided with liners held firmly in place in the center of the case to form 

two compartments. Alternate case designs may be approved by the National Office. When included as 

part of a contract acceptance specification, cases may be required to meet specified material and 

structural requirements by bearing a box manufacturers certification. The certification statement or 

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QAD 704 Procedure 

June 6, 2022 

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stamp imprint on the corrugated material will show the burst strength (Mullen) test or comply with the 

edge crush test (ECT) value as shown in Exhibit I. 

The following cases (which do not contain a liner in the center position) have been approved as an 

equivalent for use as a 30-dozen case:

• Single-wall case with a minimum of 55 pounds per inch, Edge Crush Test (ECT). 

• Double-wall case with a minimum of 42 pounds per inch, Edge Crush Test (ECT). 

704.4 Definitions of Packaging Materials

All packaging material bearing the USDA grademark must first undergo approval from the National 

Shell Egg Office and be assigned an official approval number before use. Refer to L-01: Shell Egg 

Label Approval Memo for instructions on labeling submission and approval process. In addition to 

verifying the appropriate approval number has been assigned, graders should also verify that all 

packaging label information is printed legibly at time of use. Any packaging material with illegible 

labeling or that is missing the official approval number is not permitted.

704.4a Filler Flats

• New: clean shows no evidence of previous use. 

• Good used: clean, no odors, free of mold, rigid, capable of protecting eggs. 

• Poor used: evidence of slight odor or moisture areas, and no mold, capable of protecting 

eggs. 

• Worthless: does not meet above classifications.

704.4b Cartons 

• New: clean shows no evidence of previous use. 

• Good used: clean, no odors, free of mold, rigid, capable of protecting eggs. 

• Worthless: does not meet above classifications.

704.4c Overwrap film

• Must be FDA-approved for food contact when used in direct or indirect contact with 

shell eggs. Plant management must present a Letter of Guarantee from the 

manufacturer to the grader stating that the film is FDA approved. A copy of the Letter 

of Guarantee shall be filed in file folder #2. 

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704.5 Sealing Cases 

The sealing of cases gives the case rigidity, reduces physical damage to the graded product, and also 

discourages substitution. Closure of shipping cases may be accomplished by applying gummed paper, 

plastic, or other suitable tape, gluing, or by utilizing methods that would secure the seams made by the 

closing of the case. All tape shall be of sufficient width and length to preclude the flaps from opening 

and shall extend down the sides and/or ends of the case to permit the official identification of the case, 

as applicable. Cases observed to be improperly sealed (i.e. partially opened lids) must be retained 

until corrections are made. Due to the design of certain cases with interlocking flaps, it is permissible

to seal the case by applying a strip of tape placed across the top of the case to secure the interlocking 

flaps. The use of staples for closing cases is not acceptable if the cases are officially identified. 

Page 30
 

 

Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 704 Exhibit 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250 

EXHIBIT I 

Case Strength Requirements 

Minimum Bursting Test

Single Wall and 

Doublewall Board 

(lbs. Per sq. in.) 

or 

Minimum Puncture Test 

Minimum 

Edge Crush Test

(ECT) 

(lbs. Per in. width) 

Triplewall Board

(in. oz. Per in. of tear) 

Single Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Boxes 

125 23 

150 26 

175 29 

200 32 

250 40 

275 44 

350 55 

Double Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Boxes 

200 42 

275 48 

350 51 

400 61 

500 71 

600 82 

Triple Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Boxes

 700 67 

900 80 

1100 90 

1300 112 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

Page 

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31
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 705 Procedure

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 July 25, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Back to Top

QAD 705: OFFICIAL PLANT SANITATION, WASHING, COOLING, AND SHELL EGG

SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS

705.1 Plant Sanitation 

Basic to all operations in food plants, required by both the shell egg regulations and the Food and Drug 

Administration, is the requirement that all processing be conducted so that the product will not be

adversely affected, especially with respect to wholesomeness.

705.1a Responsibility for Plant Sanitation

Plant management, in official USDA plants, is responsible for producing shell eggs under sanitary 

conditions. It is plant management’s responsibility to assure that processing equipment and rooms are 

thoroughly cleaned each day and maintained in a sanitary condition during each operating shift. All 

buildings, rooms, premises, and other facilities must be sanitarily maintained and in good repair. 

Please Note: For official USDA plants, this requirement applies whether the plant is processing and 

packaging eggs identified with the USDA grademark or not. 

705.1b Sanitation Inspection Standards 

USDA, AMS graders (graders) must be thoroughly familiar with the standards of sanitation and 

cleaning frequencies prescribed in 7 CFR 56: Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs, continually monitor 

product handling and general condition of equipment, and housekeeping throughout the plant, i.e. 

(floors, trash removal, etc.), to assure that acceptable sanitation is maintained, and identify sanitation 

problems requiring corrective action. Graders must be familiar with the normal operating problems 

and related unsanitary conditions typically associated with processing shell eggs in order to establish 

priorities for initiating corrective action. Graders must make well-reasoned decisions in obtaining

correction of unsanitary conditions by taking into consideration the significance of the problem and the 

need for immediate action. The sanitation terms “critical,” “noncritical,” and “reasonably clean” are to 

be used when evaluating a plant's sanitation program as defined below:

Pre-operative sanitation inspection terms:

1. Critical - Critical noncompliance conditions involve sanitation deficiencies that, if

allowed to continue, present a high risk or will result in a detrimental effect to the 

product through direct contact or exposure with the unsanitary equipment or

conditions. Except for the non-critical farm belt, all equipment within the processing 

plant with direct egg surface contact or that comes in contact with wash water or air 

blown to dry the eggs is classified “critical”. Unsatisfactory critical sanitation issues 

need to be corrected prior to operations or before use of the particular piece of 

equipment (i.e. unsatisfactory loader suction cups must be corrected before the loader 

is used but should not delay inline production). When the complexity to correct a 

critical area requires additional time, plant management will work out an acceptable 

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time frame with the grader. The grader will defer the issue to the USDA, AMS 

supervisor (supervisor) if an acceptable time frame cannot be agreed upon. 

2. Noncritical - Non-critical areas are defined as areas that are not likely to imminently 

affect product quality. This does not mean these areas are not important. If time does 

not allow for these areas to be corrected prior to starting, non-critical unsatisfactory 

conditions may be addressed after processing has begun, unless unable to safely do so 

during processing. Areas that cannot be corrected during processing, or prior to 

starting, need to be addressed during the next sanitation cleaning period. When the 

complexity to correct a noncritical area requires additional time, plant management 

will work out an acceptable time frame with the grader. The grader will defer the 

issue to the supervisor if an acceptable time frame cannot be agreed upon. 

3. Satisfactory - In terms of sanitation findings, satisfactory indicates a condition which 

is free from any off odors, buildup of egg shell, egg meat, dirt, grime, foreign 

materials, or other conditions (i.e. insects, standing water, condensation) that may 

detrimentally effect product quality. Satisfactory or unsatisfactory conditions will be 

assessed using organoleptic techniques. 

Operative sanitation terms:

1. Reasonably Clean – While processing a raw agriculture commodity such as shell eggs, 

it is not always possible to maintain a completely clean state throughout the production

shift. The term reasonably clean is applied only during the egg processing shift to 

indicate that facilities and equipment are maintained with minimal accumulation of

egg meat, moisture, and other debris. The regulations 7 CFR 56 require grading and 

packing rooms be kept reasonably clean during operations. 

705.1c Pre-Operative Sanitation Inspections 

Pre-operative inspections of equipment and facilities are to be completed at all official plants 

regardless of the type of grading performed. Graders will be responsible for conducting these preoperative inspections prior to the start of operations. For scheduled or unscheduled plants, preoperative inspections are to be conducted prior to each day of grading service. Grading activities at 

unscheduled plants should be planned so that the pre-operative inspection can be completed prior to 

startup of operations. If scheduling cannot be adjusted accordingly, the unscheduled plant has the 

option to proceed with processing of non-shielded product and, prior to official grading, cease

processing, change the wash water, and complete a thorough cleaning of all critical items listed on 

Form LP-74: Pre-Operative Shell Egg Plant Sanitation Report (Exhibit I). After cleaning, the grader 

will conduct an inspection and determine if the equipment meets established sanitation requirements.

The time allotted for pre-operative inspections is based on the condition of the plant, the number of 

processing machines, and the plant's sanitation history. As a guideline, a minimum of 30 minutes prior

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to start-up should be appropriate. Upon approval by USDA, AMS supervision, and notification to the 

Regional Office, additional time may be authorized when it is deemed necessary to assure sanitation 

compliance. Regardless of the time allotted, plants are to be billed for this additional time unless the

grader's tour of duty can be adjusted to include the pre-operative inspection. 

When conducting pre-operative inspections always start with the critical areas and as such the cleanest 

areas first before inspecting the non-critical areas. The following inspection sequence is suggested:

1. Loaders and accumulators 

2. Washer compartments, filters, nozzles, brushes, and spray sanitizers

3. Egg drying equipment, including air filters

4. UV sanitizers and Egg oiling equipment (if applicable) 

5. Mass scanning equipment and scales 

6. Undergrade egg removal chutes and lines 

7. Egg carriage systems

8. Packing and packaging equipment 

9. Farm belts

10. Processing rooms 

11. Coolers and storage areas

12. Bathrooms and common areas

13. Outside premises and refuse handling areas

Alternatively, equipment that needs additional time to prepare for operations after inspections (i.e. the 

farm belts bringing egg to the accumulator) may be assessed first. Graders should always be aware of 

potential cross contamination and follow each plant’s recommended policies for washing hands and or 

wearing disposable gloves when conducting sanitation inspections. 

705.1d Alternate Shell Egg Washer Reservoir Inspections 

The washing solution reservoir is considered a critical component of the egg washing system and must 

be properly cleaned and inspected daily. Unsanitary conditions in the reservoir could contribute to the 

presence of spoilage microorganisms and pathogens. Based upon the authority contained in 7 CFR 56.3, 

USDA, AMS can consider a written request from plant management to reduce the frequency of USDA 

inspection of the egg washer system reservoir(s). The written request must describe in detail the 

performance-based program designed to consistently clean the washer reservoir, and the daily 

procedures performed by a designated company employee to verify cleanliness of the equipment, 

document observations, and record any corrective action. The supervisor and grader must be 

responsible for reviewing any request for an alternate frequency of inspection of the egg washer 

reservoir. 

1. Plant management must provide the supervisor and grader, in writing, the company’s 

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cleaning and inspection of the egg washer 

reservoir. The SOP will describe the approximate concentration of the cleaning 

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solution (amount of specified cleaning compound and water), the re-circulation time 

in the washer unit, the company personnel responsible for inspection and 

documentation of cleanliness, and the record(s) maintained. The submission from 

plant management must also identify the level of the frequency of inspection 

requested. Reducing the frequency of inspection of the reservoir beyond a monthly 

level is not permitted.

2. The records maintained by plant management must demonstrate conformance on a 

continuing basis with the written SOP, document any corrective action required, and 

illustrate the initials of the company employee responsible for daily inspection and 

verification of the performance-based program. The records may consist of written 

documents or a combination of written and mechanical recordings. Any 

modifications to the SOP or recordkeeping process must be immediately discussed 

with the grader to assess if any additional USDA, AMS evaluation is necessary. The 

SOP and all company records related to this performance-based program to reduce the 

frequency of inspection of the washer reservoir will be available for review upon 

request from a USDA representative. Any company records applicable to the 

cleaning and inspection of the subject equipment following the previous day’s 

production must be available to the grader prior to processing. 

3. Information regarding the company’s performance-based program with the records for 

documentation, and the current level of evaluation/authorization to reduce the 

frequency of inspection of the washing solution reservoir must be maintained in file 

folder “2”, for access by the relief grader.

4. When reduced frequency washer reservoir inspections is requested by the applicant, 

the following steps must be completed before final approval is granted.

a. Initially, the grader will confirm the cleanliness of washing solution reservoir 

while conducting the daily pre-operative inspection of the plant and equipment. 

Results of the inspection of the reservoir during the evaluation period(s) will be 

documented on Form LP-74. When observing the completion of a satisfactory 

history of conformance with the company’s proposed performance-based 

program for ten consecutive days of processing eggs, the supervisor may 

authorize reducing the frequency of inspection of the washing solution reservoir 

to weekly USDA, AMS inspection. 

If unacceptable results are observed during the initial level of evaluation or the 

SOP described is not being followed, the company’s request will be denied. 

Any requests to re-establish reduced washer reservoir inspections will require 

plant management to submit to the supervisor in writing substantive changes to 

the performance-based program or the defined SOP, as applicable. Failure of 

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the company to comply with a USDA, AMS -accepted performance-based 

program to reduce the frequency of inspection of the washing solution reservoir, 

including recordkeeping elements, will result in termination of the USDA, AMS

authorization to utilize the approved alternate inspection frequency. 

b. After ten consecutive days of satisfactory washer reservoir inspections, the 

grader can begin weekly inspections. The grader will continue to review daily

records completed by plant personnel as outlined in their SOP. The records 

should indicate continued compliance with the minimum stated criteria.

If unacceptable results or other deficiencies are observed at any time during the 

evaluation period, follow the guidance described in 4.a, above. 

c. After eight consecutive weeks of satisfactory washer reservoir inspections at 

weekly intervals, plant management may request to reduce the frequency of 

inspection to a monthly level. The grader must continue to review daily records 

for the performance-based program generated by company personnel as stated in 

item 4.b, above. If a deficiency in the program or inspection records presents a 

recurring problem, the grader will refer to section 4.a above for guidance. 

5. In certain geographical locations, water with an elevated alkalinity level may cause 

mineral deposits on exposed components within the egg washer reservoir. The daily 

cleaning regimen to remove soil may not be sufficient to completely remove these 

deposits. In official plants encountering a deposit of minerals on the equipment, the 

SOP must include an intensified program to remove these deposits. The degree of 

these conditions may require additional visual inspections of the reservoir by the 

grader limiting the length of the period approved for a reduced frequency of 

inspection of the washing solution reservoir. 

705.1e Heat Exchangers

The heat exchanger is also considered a critical component of the egg washing system and must be 

properly cleaned and inspected daily. Inspection can be accomplished by removing the end caps or 

pipes connected to each end of the heat exchanger housing and shining a bright light into the tubes. 

The interior of the tubes should be free from evident foreign material.

Recognizing daily disassembly of certain heat exchanger designs may be a burden for pre-operative 

inspection, upon establishing a daily history that the cleaning procedures for the exchanger are 

acceptable, plant management may request a reduced frequency of inspection progressing from daily 

to a weekly, monthly and quarterly level. Reduced frequency heat exchanger inspections should be 

limited to designs which make access difficult. Heat exchangers that are easily disassembled should 

be inspected daily. 

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1. The written request must describe in detail the performance-based program designed 

to consistently clean the heat exchanger, and the daily procedures performed by a 

designated company employee to verify cleanliness of the equipment, document 

observations, and record any corrective action. The supervisor and grader must be 

responsible for reviewing any request for an alternate frequency of inspection of the 

heat exchanger.

2. Information regarding the company’s performance-based program with the records 

for documentation, and the current level of evaluation/authorization to reduce the 

frequency of inspection of the heat exchanger must be maintained in file folder “2”, 

for access by the relief grader.

3. When reduced frequency heat exchanger inspections is requested by the applicant, the 

following steps must be completed before final approval is granted. 

a. Initially, the grader will confirm the cleanliness of the heat exchanger while 

conducting the daily pre-operative inspection of the plant and equipment. 

Results of the inspection of the heat exchanger during the evaluation period(s) 

will be documented on Form LP-74. When observing the completion of a 

satisfactory history of conformance with the applicant’s proposed performancebased program for ten consecutive days of processing eggs, the supervisor may 

authorize reducing the frequency of heat exchanger inspection to weekly. 

If unacceptable results are observed during the initial level of evaluation or the 

performance-based program described is not being followed, the applicant’s 

request will be denied. Any requests to re-establish reduced heat exchanger 

inspections will require plant management to submit to the supervisor in writing 

substantive changes to the performance-based program, as applicable. Failure of 

the applicant to comply with a USDA, AMS- accepted performance-based 

program to reduce the frequency of inspection of the heat exchanger, including 

recordkeeping elements, will result in termination of the USDA, AMS

authorization to utilize the approved alternate inspection frequency. 

b. After ten consecutive days of satisfactory heat exchanger inspections, the grader 

can begin weekly inspections. The grader will continue to review daily records 

completed by plant personnel as outlined in their performance-based program. 

The records should indicate continued compliance with the minimum stated 

criteria.

If unacceptable results or other deficiencies are observed at any time during the 

evaluation period, follow the guidance described in 3.a, above. 

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c. After eight consecutive weeks of satisfactory heat exchanger inspections at

weekly intervals, plant management may request to reduce the frequency of

inspection to a monthly level. The grader must continue to review daily records

for the performance-based program generated by company personnel as stated in

item 3.b, above. If a deficiency in the program or inspection records presents a

recurring problem, the grader will refer to section 3.a above for guidance.

d. After three consecutive months of satisfactory heat exchanger inspections at

monthly intervals, plant management may request to reduce the frequency of

inspection to a quarterly level. The grader must continue to review daily records

for the performance-based program generated by company personnel as stated in

item 3.b, above. If a deficiency in the program or inspection records presents a

recurring problem, the grader will refer to section 3.a above for guidance.

705.1f Recording Results 

Results of each pre-operative inspection are to be recorded on Form LP-74. All sanitation deficiencies 

are to be documented in the “Remarks” section of the form. List each specific deficiency, the 

management official contacted, the corrective action taken, and when the action was taken. Items 

identified as noncritical on the Form LP-74 may be re-classified by the grader as critical when 

unsatisfactory conditions are of such magnitude as to constitute a serious health hazard or as a result of 

gross negligence. Graders are to discuss all non-compliances with the designated management official 

and request that they acknowledge the discussion by initialing the form. If the designated official 

refuses to initial the form, the grader is to document the individual's name on the form. Sanitation 

problems occurring during the production shift must be recorded in the comments log of Form LP-75 

when they are observed. 

When a deficiency is a noncritical item that requires a significant amount of time to properly repair or 

completely correct, but action has been taken to assure general sanitary conditions are maintained, the 

minimum corrective action and projected completion timeframe stated by plant management must be 

recorded. When the corrective action is completed return to the initial documentation on the Form 

LP-74 to record closure of the non-conformance items. When keeping track of corrective actions for 

unsatisfactory findings, it may be helpful to highlight correction dates or use different color ink.

Alternatively, a reference on the current Form LP-74 and corrective action can serve as appropriate 

documentation. In the event that plant management cannot complete the corrective action in 

accordance with the established timeframe, contact the immediate supervisor for guidance. Exhibits II 

and III are examples of the proper way to document sanitation deficiencies on Form LP-74. 

If a specific, detailed sanitation violation occurs in the same location (the same item listed on Form 

LP-74) for three consecutive days and presents a risk of cross contamination to the eggs, the violations 

must be documented and reported to the supervisor, using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 

(FDA) Interagency Referral Report (QAD 703, Exhibit II). The shell egg grader must advise plant 

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management of the necessity for issuing the report. Documentation on official sanitation reports 

(description of detailed violation and name of plant management notified) must support this action.

The following is an example of documentation for a detailed recurring violation: 

Monday – Adhering material (Fecal) observed on product contact surface area of packer head 

# 5, clamshells. (Disposition - Plant management (Susan Manager) corrected the affected area 

prior to start up).

Tuesday – Adhering material (Fecal) observed on product contact surface area of packer head 

#5, clamshells. (Disposition - Plant management (Susan Manager) corrected the affected area 

prior to start up). 

Wednesday – Adhering material (Fecal) observed on product contact surface area of packer 

head #5, clamshells. (Disposition - Plant management (Susan Manager) corrected the affected 

area prior to start up).

A minimum of twice per year, supervisors must accompany graders on pre-operative inspections to 

determine the thoroughness of the inspection and assure uniformity in applying inspection criteria. 

Additionally, supervisors are to review all sanitation reports completed since the previous visit to 

assess the plants overall sanitation compliance and determine if any additional action is needed. Plants 

with a continuous history of sanitation non-compliances are to be referred to the Regional Director who 

may consult with the National Shell Egg Supervisor and Grading Services Branch Chief, to determine

any additional actions in accordance with the regulations. 

705.1g Distribution 

The Form LP-74 is to be distributed as follows: 

1. Original copy in file folder “4c” of the grader’s official files 

2. One copy to plant management (when requested) 

705.1h Packaging Material Storage Areas

All primary packaging material that comes into direct contact with the egg must always be maintained 

in a sanitary condition. Packaging must be kept off the floor, away from walls, and wrapped/covered 

to maintain sanitary conditions until it is prepared for immediate use. Packaging material must be 

stored away from chemicals and inedible eggs to prevent absorbing odors. Doors must be kept closed 

on trailers used to store packaging material.

705.1i Sanitation and Ambient Refrigeration of Transport Vehicles

Sanitation and ambient refrigeration of transport vehicles not covered by specifications are the 

responsibility of the shipper. Graders are not responsible for certifying to the cleanliness or good repair

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of shipping vehicles unless required by a specification or export instruction. However, if during the 

course of daily duties, improper or unsanitary conditions, or loading of eggs on transport trailers 

without a refrigeration unit are observed in shipping vehicles, the grader should notify a responsible 

plant official. The grader must then document the situation including the name of the plant official 

notified on their Form LP-75 for that day. No further action is warranted by USDA.

705.2 Shell Egg Washing 

705.2a Water Potability Certification

A satisfactory water potability certification is required of each official plant to determine that all water 

used in the egg cleaning process is potable. Certification will be required annually for plants utilizing 

water from municipal supplies and semiannually for plants utilizing well water, including wells with 

chlorinators. A new sample must be submitted whenever the water source is changed or when 

equipment is added to treat the water system. Management is responsible to provide the concentration 

level of the approved sanitizing compound used, the frequency of monitoring each chlorinator, and 

maintain records to verify conformance. 

The sample will be submitted by the applicant at company expense to any State, commercial, 

municipal, university, or other laboratory. Plants must obtain and provide the grader with a letter from 

the laboratory listing the appropriate authorizing agency under which certification is made or, 

alternatively, the authorization can be noted on the laboratory report.

Certificates of water potability must declare that the plant’s water supply is potable, safe for 

drinking, or otherwise acceptable in this regard. Also acceptable are analyses certifying that the

plant’s water supply contains less than one colony forming unit (CFU) of coliform bacteria per 

100 milliliters of water. Any water analyses showing results, either microbiological or chemical 

which the grader cannot interpret as satisfactory, is to be referred to the supervisor and, if necessary, to 

the regional office to determine acceptability. 

Graders or supervisors, as applicable, are required to notify plant management when the water analysis 

is needed. Plant management must notify the grader of their intent to collect the water sample. Plant 

management or a state representative will draw the water sample (the grader will observe the collection 

of the sample) using sterile sample containers and aseptic sampling techniques. The sample should be 

drawn from the point at which the wash water reservoir is filled. 

The grader will verify the collected water sample is sealed and labeled to maintain sample integrity. 

The water sample must be stored under refrigeration (38°F - 40°F) if it is to be held for longer than 8 

hours prior to shipment. Do not freeze samples. Samples will be submitted by the applicant at 

company expense to a State or locally approved certifying laboratory. Plant management is to provide 

graders or supervisors copies of each laboratory report of water analysis within ten working days from 

the date the sample was taken. 

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The regional office is to be notified when reports are not received within the specified time frame. 

Upon notification of an unacceptable water analysis, the grader will notify their supervisor who will, in 

turn, notify the regional office. The supervisor will advise plant management of the water potability

requirements and, if the resample is found unacceptable, a recommendation to suspend certification of 

shielded product until corrections are made. Plant management is expected to rectify the problem and

have the water source retested as soon as possible, not to exceed five working days from the date

correction(s) is made. Corrective action may include, but not limited to, the addition of chlorinators,

water treatment systems, or changing the source of water. The grader is to notify their supervisor when 

corrections cannot be made within ten working days from the date the results were received. 

To assure that water samples are submitted at the required intervals, graders are required to document 

water potability certifications on the QAD 705A: Water Potability and Iron Certification Log (Exhibit 

IV). The log is to be maintained in file folder “11” in the grader’s official files of each official plant. 

During each supervisory visit, supervisors are to review the log to assure compliance with these

guidelines.

A copy of the initial water potability report is to be attached to the plant survey when new grading 

services are established. Potability reports are to be maintained in file folder “11” and disposed of two

years after the close of the fiscal year in which they were created. 

In scheduled plants where water treatment systems are used, the grader is to verify weekly, at a 

minimum, that the system is operating and that a measurable amount of potable water treatment 

compounds, such as chlorine or quaternary ammonia, is being added. For unscheduled plants, the 

frequency of verifying treatment systems will be determined by the supervisor. Plant management

must provide the grader or supervisor with a test kit designed to monitor low levels of the applicable

potable water treatment compound. 

Chlorine, or its equivalent, must not exceed concentrations above 4 parts per million (p/m) calculated 

as available active chlorine, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe 

Drinking Water Standards. Concentration amounts exceeding this level are to be reported to the 

applicant for correction. 

Ozone may be used as an antimicrobial agent to disinfect water in accordance with the National Safe

Drinking Water (NSDW) Act, promulgated by the EPA, the amount of ozone applied to the water 

system is dependent upon whether the source: 

1. Contains surface or previously treated water

2. Is filtered prior to disinfection

3. Has potential fecal contamination

Recognizing that the State retains discretionary authority to require modified monitoring, analytical, 

performance, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements, the grader will rely on guidance issued to 

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plant management by State authorities for the use of ozone to disinfect water for the processing of shell 

eggs. 

When an ozone treatment system is located in an official shell egg processing plant, plant management 

will provide access, upon request of a USDA representative, to the State-accepted ozone disinfection 

procedures, and the monitoring and recorded data to demonstrate continued conformance. Records for 

the ozone treatment system must be retained by plant management as required by the applicable EPA 

regulations. 

The grader will contact their supervisor if they observe plant management failing to comply with the 

required State procedures for use of ozone to disinfect water. The National Shell Egg Supervisor will 

be contacted for guidance if a noncompliance is observed. 

705.2b Iron Content Analysis 

Water with iron content in excess of 2 p/m is not to be used. If the iron content is in excess of 2 parts 

per million (p/m), it must be de-ironized continuously. A laboratory test to determine the presence of

iron in the water used is required. Water samples for iron analysis are to be taken, recorded, and 

submitted in the same manner and frequency as outlined for potability. 

Analysis of the iron content of the water supply will be stated in either (p/m), milligrams per liter/gram 

(mg/l or mg/g), or microgram per liter (μg/l). When water analysis is reported in terms other than p/m, 

determine iron content level as follows: 

1. Analysis reported in milligrams per liter is equivalent to parts per million. For 

example, iron content of 1 mg/l converts to 1 p/m. 

2. Analysis reported in either milligrams per gram can be converted into parts per 

million by multiplying the reported number by one thousand. For example, iron 

content of .001 mg/g multiplied by 1000 converts to 1 p/m. 

3. Analysis reported in microgram per liter can be converted in parts per million by 

dividing the reported number by one thousand. For example, iron content of 1780 

μg/l divided by 1000 converts to 1.78 p/m. 

705.2c Procedures for Washing Eggs 

The following procedures are to be followed when washing eggs, (7 CFR 56.76(f) 1-15):

1. Pre-wetting by submersion is prohibited. 

2. Pre-wetting systems must use water at a temperature 20°F greater than the internal 

temperature of the egg.

3. Washer systems must be cleaned daily or more frequently as necessary. 

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4. On continuous type washers, the water must be changed approximately every 4 hours 

(not to exceed 5 hours), at the end of each shift, and/or more frequently if necessary 

(i.e. wash water becomes excessively dirty or has uncontrolled foaming).

5. Wash water must contain an approved cleaning compound and be at least 

20° Fahrenheit warmer than the eggs with a minimum water temperature of 

90° Fahrenheit. If wash water temperatures drop below the minimum requirements, 

immediate correction is required. Should corrections not be completed within 15 

minutes, all official identification of product must cease until it is corrected. While no 

maximum temperature is prescribed, the washing process must not result in partially 

cooked eggs. See item 11 below.

6. In plants with multiple washers in sequence, the water temperature must be the same 

or warmer as the egg progresses through the washers. 

7. Final rinse water must be equal to or warmer than the wash water of the last washer in 

the processing sequence. If final rinse does not properly remove (soap, foam etc.) 

immediate corrective action must be taken or official identification withdrawn. 

8. Machines that recirculate wash water must have replacement water added 

continuously. Sanitizing rinse water may be used as part of the replacement water. 

Iodine rinse water may not be used as replacement water but must be discharged 

directly to a drain. 

9. Wastewater from washers must be piped directly to a drain. 

10. All eggs are to be reasonably dry before packaging. 

11. When the washing of eggs is interrupted for periods in excess of 15 minutes, with 

washing solution in the reservoir or being returned to the reservoir, the access lids on 

top of the washer must be lifted to prevent negative impact on the eggs remaining on 

the conveyor inside the washer. Alternatively, eggs can be removed from the 

conveyor inside the washer. 

705.2d Shell Egg Sanitizing

All eggs are to be spray rinsed after washing with water having a temperature equal to, or warmer than, 

the temperature of the wash water and containing an approved sanitizing compound. A clear water 

rinse is required after sanitizing with iodine. 

Sanitizers must maintain an effective concentration level of 100 to 200 maximum p/m of available 

chlorine or its equivalent. Iodine compounds must maintain concentration levels between 12.50 to 25 

p/m of titratable iodine. For Peracetic acid, the concentration levels should be 50 ppm – 100 ppm. 

Sanitizer strength and spray bar functionality must be verified two times per shift, per machine. The

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titration method is to be used, to test the sanitizing solution. It is permissible to use litmus test strips at 

other times during the shift for informational purposes. Storage of titration kits and litmus test strips 

must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to assure accuracy. 

The first sanitizer concentration check should be done as soon as possible after the start of production 

but must be done within 30 min. after the start of production. Additional sanitizer concentration 

checks would generally be completed after the mid-shift wash water change but may be randomly 

selected throughout the rest of the production shift. In facilities that experience challenges with 

maintaining required sanitizer levels, supervisors will request additional checks to be completed at 

random times during the production shift to verify sanitizer consistency. 

Protective equipment provided by plant management including, general purpose gloves and safety

glasses are to be used by shell egg graders when monitoring the concentration of shell egg sanitizing 

solutions. Alternatively, plant employees may be trained to perform the testing under the direct 

supervision of the grader. The results are to be documented on the grader's Form LP-75, as applicable. 

When test results indicate that the minimum concentration level is not acceptable, plant management 

must take immediate corrective action. Failure to restore a minimum concentration level within 15 

minutes will result in removal of official certification on product being packaged. At all times, it is

plant management’s responsibility to maintain sanitizing equipment in operating condition. This may 

necessitate keeping an inventory of spare parts available to assure compliance with this requirement.

Other sanitizing compounds, such as quaternary ammonium, when approved for the intended use, may 

be applied to eggs as a disinfectant/sanitizer for the surface of the shell. The concentration level 

applied must provide the equivalent of 100 to 200 p/m active chlorine. The test kit provided must be 

specific in determining the concentration level of the sanitizing compound used (refer to the 

manufacturer’s instructions). The manufacturer or distributor can assist plant management in 

providing appropriate concentration equivalent tables. 

705.2e Ultra-violet Light for Disinfecting Shell Eggs 

Each shell egg processor electing to install the Ultra-violet (UV) disinfection system is responsible for 

assuring: 

1. Technical information and certification (letter of guarantee from the manufacturer) 

stating that the low-pressure mercury lamp bulb used provides 90 percent emissions at 

a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers (2,537 angstroms equivalent) is provided to the 

grader. 

2. A maintenance log for the UV disinfection system is maintained identifying the 

replacement cycle of the UV lamp bulbs. The UV lamp bulbs are replaced based 

upon the recommended expected duration of function (life expectancy) stated in the 

manufacturer’s specifications. In the event of a UV lamp bulb failure prior to 

reaching the recommended duration period, to prevent replacement of each bulb in the 

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system at the end of the established duration period, a processor may elect to maintain 

the dates of installation of each bulb in the UV disinfection system by recording the 

recommended life expectancy of each lamp bulb. The maintenance records for the 

UV disinfection system will be subject to review upon request from a USDA 

representative. For bulb hour tracking purposes, a box is included on the LP-75. 

Record a checkmark (or other data approved by the supervisor) to indicate it has been 

verified the bulbs have not exceeded their maximum recommended operational hours. 

UV sanitation systems with any inoperable bulbs do not meet USDA requirements 

and may not be used as the sole method of sanitizing shell eggs.

3. Only UV lamp bulbs coated to prevent potential contamination in the event of 

breakage of the low-pressure mercury lamp are used in the disinfection system. 

To prevent optical damage to personnel working in plants utilizing the UV disinfection system, the 

safety procedures incorporated by the company requiring the unit be locked down in operating position 

prior to function must always be maintained. All curtains or guards must be in place. Any 

malfunction of these incorporated safety measures must be addressed immediately by the egg 

processor or use of the UV disinfection system in the official plant will be discontinued. Personnel 

should never look directly at UV bulbs when the unit is operating. 

Recognizing that the UV emissions area is directly exposed to the product, the sanitation of the 

disinfection unit (both interior and exterior) must be maintained in an acceptable condition and is 

subject to pre-operative inspection by the grader assigned to the egg processing plant. 

When used as an alternate for the application of a chemical sanitizer solution, the UV disinfection 

system must be installed downstream from the wash and rinse cycle chamber on the egg grading and 

packaging system. Additionally, the eggs must be reasonably dry when entering the UV disinfection 

system. Shell eggs treated with UV radiation as stated in the applicable FDA regulation and these 

provisions are eligible to be identified with the USDA grademark. 

705.2f Ozone Use as an Antimicrobial Agent

Safety - Ozone can cause extensive damage when in direct contact with human tissue. Therefore, 

plant management must be responsible for collecting samples of the ozone solution to determine the 

concentration level to be applied as a sanitizing solution. The plant is responsible for compliance with 

applicable safety requirements, and installation design and handling practices as specified by 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and State regulations. 

Application as a shell egg sanitizing agent - Ozone, in an aqueous solution (ozone and water), must 

be maintained at a level ranging from 0.50 parts per million to a maximum level of 2.00 parts per 

million. The plant is responsible for providing a titration test kit to determine the equivalence with the 

required concentration of available active chlorine (100 to 200 parts per million) authorized for use to 

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sanitize shell eggs. Residual aqueous solution of ozone and water may be recovered to the egg washer 

solution reservoir. 

The grader will observe plant personnel monitoring the concentration level of ozone in aqueous 

solution (injected into potable water) when used as a sanitizing agent. The concentration level will be 

monitored at the USDA frequency required for a shell egg sanitizing solution. 

705.2g Shell Egg Protectant (oiling) 

Ideally, the equipment should dispense the oil through sprayers, brushes, foam discs, etc. Other 

materials used to protect eggs, such as an oil saturated cloth, paper towel, or other devices that drip oil 

on to a belt, are questionable methods and must be evaluated by the supervisor and grader. These 

methods are to be approved only if the criterion is met to apply oil in order to cover the entire egg 

surface is met.

If a pressurized spraying system is used to apply the oil, the grader is to determine that the unit is 

functioning properly by observing plant personnel inserting a piece of stiff paper or cardboard (test 

material) into the spray area for the approximate amount of time an egg would be exposed. This can be

done through a side access panel or by laying the test material on the conveyor and allowing the 

material to pass under the sprayer at normal operating speeds. The test material can then be examined 

for uniform dispersal of the oil. Eggs washed in a plant after an initial shell protecting must be shell 

protected again after washing in order to be so described. 

When the system is not in use, the oil reservoir and any portion of the delivery system (pipes, flexible 

hoses, etc.) must be either drained of oil or protected to prevent cross contamination. For example: 

Ensuring closure of pipes, flexible hoses, or the oil reservoir. 

705.3 Approval of Compounds 

Only approved cleaning and sanitizing compounds may be used in official plants. To assure that only

approved compounds are used for the purpose intended, plant management must provide the grader or 

supervisor, as applicable, with a written guaranty stating that each compound used in the shell egg 

processing plant complies with Federal food laws and regulations, and can be legally used in the shell 

egg processing plant for the purpose intended. Responsibility for providing Letter of Guarantees rests 

with the firm whose name appears on the product as it is marketed to the plant. Letter of Guarantees 

must contain the following information: 

1. Name and address of the manufacturer of the compound 

2. Brand name or other means by which the compound is identified 

3. Intended use of the compound; (specific application for shell eggs) 

4. Statement that the compound complies with either: 

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a. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; or 

b. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; or 

c. The requirements of 21 CFR 110.35 (b) Substances Used in Cleaning and 

Sanitizing; Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or 

Holding Human Food; 

5. Statement that, if used according to the instructions, the compound will have no 

adverse effect on the eggs being processed; 

6. Signature of an official representing the manufacturer of the compound. 

As an option, plant management can provide the chemical manufacturer a copy of the QAD 705B: 

Notice of Guarantee for Approval of Compounds (Exhibit V) to assist them in meeting the 

requirements. The reverse side of the notice list the common categories of compounds used in shell 

egg plants. In addition to the guaranties, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each compound 

used in the plant must be made available for review by the grader and/or supervisor. The grader or 

supervisor retains the authority to refuse specific compounds that they determine unsafe or may cause

product adulteration. 

As an option, plant management may provide proof of official approval of a nonfood compound by 

accessing the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) website. A printed copy of the product listing for 

each nonfood compound must be provided to the grader and is to be entered on QAD 705C: Chemical 

Compound Log (Exhibit VI). 

Once approved, graders are required to document each compound being used on QAD 705C: Chemical 

Compound Log. The log and letters of guarantees are to be filed together in file folder “2” of the 

grader’s official files. At least every 6 months, graders are to review the compounds used at their 

location to assure the log is current and accurate. During routine plant visits, supervisors are to review 

the chemical compound approval process to assure that the procedures outlined in this policy are being 

applied. 

When a USDA representative identifies that a nonfood compound is not approved for use for cleaning, 

de-staining, sanitizing, coating, marking shell eggs, treating water (water softener, chlorinators and 

boilers), or equipment lubricants used on indirect contact areas, plant management must be notified. If 

an unapproved nonfood compound is being used, all eggs identified with the USDA grademark 

exposed to the compound must be retained. Plant management must issue an immediate retrieval of 

any officially identified eggs shipped that were exposed to an unapproved nonfood compound. 

When plant management continues to process and distribute non-officially identified eggs using the 

identified nonfood compound and/or product has been shipped, the grader will contact their immediate 

supervisor. The supervisor must prepare the FDA, Interagency Referral Report for submission to the 

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National Office. If plant management requests to remove the unapproved nonfood compound to 

continue processing eggs identified with the USDA grademark, the exposed equipment must be 

cleaned prior to resuming operations. 

705.4 Cooling Facility Requirements

Coolers in all official plants used for storing eggs (nest run or processed) must be capable of 

maintaining an ambient air temperature of 45° Fahrenheit or lower. Since this is a facility requirement, 

it is applicable to all egg coolers, not just coolers storing officially graded eggs. Finished product must 

be stored away from chemicals and inedible eggs to prevent absorbing odors or potential 

contamination. 

705.4a Cooler Verification

When checking cooler temperatures, graders may use the thermometers provided and placed in the 

coolers by the applicant. These thermometers should be placed in areas where product is stored but not 

in front of doorways or refrigeration units. If multiple thermometers are available, the temperature is to 

be reported as an average. Temperatures should be checked before production begins then 

approximately every 4 to 5 hours thereafter and recorded on Form LP-75. A minimum of two 

verifications per shift is required.

If cooler temperatures exceed 45° Fahrenheit, the grader must notify plant management to take 

corrective action. If the ambient temperature is not being reduced effectively to the 45° Fahrenheit 

level within two hours of notification, plant management must implement procedures to transfer all 

USDA shielded shell eggs to a compliant refrigerated storage area. If non-shielded eggs are not 

transferred to compliant coolers, or if coolers containing eggs remains above 45° for more than 4 

hours, an interagency referral report (QAD 703 Exhibit II) will need to be completed and submitted to 

the National Shell Egg Office through normal supervisory channels. The National Office will 

determine whether to withdraw certification of USDA grade shielded eggs and is responsible for

reporting cooler violations to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)/FDA through joint 

Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs). 

Coolers not in use during seasonal periods or coolers where it is apparent that there is no intention to 

store eggs are not to be checked or reported as non-complying. 

705.4b Thermometer Certification

The plant is responsible for providing an accurate cooler thermometer. On a quarterly basis, 

supervisors must verify cooler thermometer accuracy with a calibrated digital thermometer and record 

on Form LP-227. 

USDA’s supervisor and grader thermometers must be tested and calibrated on the following schedule: 

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1. Certified Calibrated Testers (i.e. MicroCheck) - These will be returned annually to the 

manufacturer or authorized service facility for recertification. The certificate of 

calibration must be kept with the device. 

2. (SES) Digital Thermometer - The accuracy of each digital thermometer is to be 

verified by the supervisor or assigned representative at least annually. This is to be 

accomplished by using a certified calibrated tester and following the instructions provided 

with the tester.

3. Grader’s Pocket Thermometer - The accuracy of the grader’s metal stem pocket 

thermometer (including any back-up thermometers) is to be verified by the supervisor 

or assigned representative on a quarterly basis. This is to be accomplished by 

collecting a test medium from tap water. With continuous agitation, place the digital 

thermometer and the pocket thermometer in the center of the water bath. After the 

temperature of both thermometers has stabilized, read and compare the temperatures 

to assure that they are within 1° Fahrenheit of each other. If there is more than a 

1° Fahrenheit difference, the pocket thermometer must be adjusted or replaced. In 

either case, the thermometer must be re-tested for accuracy. After each verification 

test, the results are to be recorded on Form LP-227. 

Regardless of thermometer type used, during periods between designated verifications; when the 

grader suspects that a thermometer is not accurate, when they have been provided a new thermometer, 

or when any occurrence of a temperature non-conformance is detected, the thermometer must be 

reverified using the following method: 

Thermometers with multiple probe types (air and water) will only use the water probe for this 

method. Prepare an ice water bath (mixture of ice and water). With continuous agitation, immerse the 

thermometer in the center of the water bath. After the thermometer temperature has stabilized, the 

temperature reading should be between 31° Fahrenheit and 33° Fahrenheit. If the temperature is out of

the accepted range, the thermometer cannot be used and must be adjusted or replaced. 

After the test has been performed, the results are to be recorded on Form LP-75. During the next 

supervisory visit, graders are to request supervisors to formally re-test the thermometer as outlined 

above. If the temperatures are within 1° Fahrenheit of each other, the thermometer is considered 

accurate.

705.4c Refrigeration of Product 

FDA, Production, Storage, and Transportation of Shell Eggs (21 CFR 118.4 (e))

Refrigeration. [Eggs must be held and transported] at or below 45°F ambient temperature beginning 36 

hours after time of lay. If the eggs are to be processed as table eggs and are not processed for the 

ultimate consumer within 36 hours from the time of lay and, therefore, are held and transported as 

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required at or below 45°F ambient temperature, then you may then hold them at room temperature for 

no more than 36 hours just prior to processing to allow an equilibration step to temper the eggs.

Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (9 CFR 590.50) 

Egg Temperature and Labeling Requirements. All shell eggs packed into containers destined for the

ultimate consumer must be stored and transported under refrigeration at an ambient temperature of no 

greater than 45 °F (7.2 °C) and must bear safe handling instructions in accordance with 

21 CFR 101.17(h). 

USDA, Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs (7 CFR 56.76 (g)(1)) 

Requirements for eggs officially identified with a grademark. Shell eggs that are to be officially

identified as [U.S. Grade AA, A, or B] shall be placed under refrigeration at an ambient temperature no 

greater than 45°F (7.2°C) promptly after packaging. 

This means that all processed shell eggs must be placed under refrigeration within 4 hours after 

packaging or at the end of the processing day, whichever comes first. Graders can use the time listed 

on the USDA Sample Sticker as a general guide in determining compliance. Obvious noncompliance 

with this requirement is to be reported to management and documented on the Form LP-75. When 

continuous non-compliances are noted, the grader is to review these occurrences with the supervisor. 

The supervisor will consult with the Regional Director to determine what future corrective action is to 

be taken. 

To prevent the sweating of shell eggs, packaged product that has been placed in coolers may not be 

removed from refrigeration except for immediate processing/reprocessing, packaging, shipment, or for 

USDA use of cooler samples. 

705.5 Shell Egg Surveillance (SES) Responsibilities

705.5a SES Quarterly Inspection Responsibilities

The EPIA, 7 CFR 57 require quarterly visits to all egg handlers (producer/packers, grading stations). 

In official shell egg plants, the supervisor or designated USDA representative will conduct these 

quality inspections. The supervisor may request assistance as follows: 

1. Graders may assist the supervisor or their assistant(s) in carrying out the quarterly

shell egg surveillance inspections required by the EPIA. Copies of the quarterly

surveillance reports, Form LP-156 and LP-19, are to be maintained in file folder “12” 

in the grader’s official files.

2. Graders may also assist the supervisor in the releasing of product retained during 

quarterly surveillance visits. When observing the reworking and releasing of retained 

product or when retained product is transferred from the point of retention and 

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released to an egg products plant or other egg handler, graders are to follow the

guidelines for handling retained product outlined in QAD 708. 

705.5b SES Labeling Responsibilities

All graders are responsible to assure that labeling of restricted eggs is correct and applied at point and 

time of segregation. The EPIA requires that eggs classed as “restricted eggs” (dirties, checks, leakers, 

loss, inedible) be labeled with required information as outlined below:

1. Shipping containers of restricted eggs must bear the packer's name, address, and zip 

code, or a corporate name and address and other egg packer identification codes 

approved by the National Shell Egg Supervisor, and the type of restricted eggs in the 

container (e.g., dirties, checks, inedible, or loss); and 

a. For Checks and Dirties: “Restricted Eggs-- For Processing Only in an Official 

USDA Egg Products Plant.” 

b. For Inedible and Loss Eggs in Shell Form: “Restricted Eggs-- Not to be used as 

Human Food.” 

2. The required wording on the label must be conspicuous and legible. The name, 

address, and zip code of the packer need not appear on the label if it appears 

elsewhere on the container. See Exhibit VII for label examples of restricted eggs.

All graders are to assure that inedible eggs and egg products are handled according to accepted 

procedures, denatured when applicable, and properly labeled as follows: 

1. Labeling - The EPIA requires that all inedible, unwholesome, or adulterated egg 

products be labeled with certain required information. The collection containers of 

inedible egg products at the point and time of segregation need only be labeled with 

the word, “Inedible” unless they are used as the final shipping container. In this case, 

the containers must be legibly identified as, “Inedible Egg Product-- Not to be used as 

Human Food.” The name, address, and zip code of the packer or distributor must 

appear on the label or container (See Exhibit VII). Alternate procedures for labeling 

inedible collection containers may be authorized by the National Shell Egg 

Supervisor.

2. Denaturing - Containers of liquid egg products need not be denatured or decharacterized at the point and time of segregation unless they are used as the final 

shipping container. Sufficient denaturant must be used to make it readily evident, 

either visually or by odor, that the eggs or egg product is unfit for human 

consumption. 

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Proper mixing of denaturant cannot be accomplished by adding the color powder to the top of the 

barrel of egg. To properly denature/de-characterize inedible egg in a barrel, product must be added in 

liquid form, in stages, as the container is filled. 

Inedible shell eggs must be denatured or de-characterized at the point and time of segregation. Inedible 

and loss eggs that are to be transported in the shell form from the point of segregation must be decharacterized or denatured by coloring the shells with a sufficient amount of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic

(FD&C) dye to give a distinct change of appearance or by applying a substance that will penetrate the

shell and de-characterize the egg meat.

a. Satisfactory Denaturants for Shell Eggs

(1) FD&C black, blue, green, or red dyes 

(2) Aromatic cedar, eucalyptus, pine oil, fish oil or wintergreen 

b. Satisfactory Denaturants for Liquid Eggs Only

(1) Caramel, brown, black, blue, or green dyes 

(2) Meat and Fish by-products (non-deodorized) 

(3) Ground grain and milling by-products

(4) Beet meat and pulp 

(5) Fish oil, aromatic, cedar, eucalyptus, pine oil, or wintergreen 

c. Other Denaturants 

Requests to use denaturants, other than those listed, which will distinctively render the shell eggs or 

egg products because of appearance or odor, as unfit for human consumption, may be submitted to the

National Shell Egg Supervisor for comment and/or approval.

705.5c SES Grading Responsibilities 

Occasionally, management will request the grader to check non-identified product for quality control 

purposes. Additionally, graders may be requested to sample and grade stationary lots of eggs that have 

not previously been officially identified. Under any of these circumstances, if the grading shows the 

lot, or a portion of the lot, to exceed the restricted egg tolerances (based on a full size sample) for U.S. 

Grade B, the grader is required to place the product under retention until it is brought into compliance 

with the EPIA. Prior to conducting these types of gradings, the grader must advise management of 

these responsibilities and the applicable tolerances that will be applied. 

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During the grading process, graders are to immediately notify plant management when U.S. Grade B 

restricted egg tolerances have been exceeded. Under these circumstances, management has the option 

of discontinuing the grading or continuing sampling up to an official sample size. 

For stationary lots where a full representative sample has been examined, the entire lot is to be

retained. When the grading is prematurely terminated by management, the product representing the 

samples examined is to be retained using the following criteria:

1. For unitized loads (pallets, racks, etc.), retain all product on the specific unit from 

which each sample originated. For example, if samples #1 and #2 exceed the 

tolerances and were selected from pallets one and two of a five pallet lot, pallets one 

and two are to be retained. 

2. For product that has no distinct unitization, segregate the lot proportionately into 30 

case sublots and retain only the sublots from which the samples originated. For 

example: If the original lot consists of 240/15-dozen cases, the grader, for retention 

purposes, would consider the lot to be four, 30 case sublots. 

If samples 1 and 2 exceeded EPIA tolerances and were selected from sublots one and two and the 

grading was terminated, these sublots would be retained. Additionally, when lots are less than 30 

cases, the entire lot is to be retained. 

Retention procedures and release of retained product is to be handled as outlined in QAD 708. 

705.6 Shipping of Non-Denatured Inedible Egg Products

The overall responsibility for handling and monitoring the movement of this product to pet food plants, 

further processing plants, and warehouses is the responsibility of FSIS. Each producer of nondenatured inedible egg product is to be advised of their responsibilities in handling such product.

705.6a Responsibilities of Plant Management 

1. Following approval, management in official USDA plants must advise the grader or 

surveillance inspector when they wish to accumulate and ship non-denatured inedible 

shell eggs or egg products. Non-denatured inedible products may not be accumulated 

in non-USDA plants or in plants utilizing temporary unscheduled shell egg grading 

service since USDA cannot continuously monitor and control inedible product located 

at these locations. 

2. Edible products must be physically separated from inedible and restricted products in 

the official plant and in the shipping vehicle for product control and positive 

identification. Separation may be accomplished by physical dividers or spacing of at 

least 1 pallet width. Other methods that accomplish the same criteria can be reviewed 

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and approved by the supervisor. Liquid product to be shipped in bulk must be held in 

specially designated tanks or vats.

3. When management has been granted permission to ship non-denatured product, each

primary container and master or bulk container must be legibly identified as follows:

a. Egg products – “Non-denatured Inedible Egg Products - NOT TO BE USED

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.” Name and address of packer or distributor.

b. Shell eggs – “Non-denatured Restricted Eggs - NOT TO BE USED AS

HUMAN CONSUMPTION.” Name and address of packer or distributor.

705.6b Origin Inspector responsibilities 

1. The “balance on hand” figure must be verified by actual count at least once each

week, dated, and initialed by the inspector.

2. When non-denatured inedible egg products or shell eggs are to be shipped from one

official plant to another, the inspector must personally seal the shipment and prepare

Form LP-210S.

Page 54
QAD 705: EXHIBIT I

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PROGRAM 

PRE-OPERATIVE SHELL EGG PLANT SANITATION REPORT 

WEEK OF: 

PLANT NAME/NUMBER: 

NAME OF GRADER(S):

 S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 

I. Shell Egg Washing, Grading, and Packaging Operations & Equipment CRITICAL NON 

CRITICAL 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

A. Farm belt & framework (once it enters official processing or storage areas) 

clean. X 

B. Loaders, conveyors, accumulators, dirt return belt, orienters, & all pre-rinse 

equipment clean. X 

B.1. Equipment non-contact areas clean. (legs, framework, conduit, etc.) X 

C. Washers, heat exchangers, filters, nozzles, brushes, & compartments clean. X 

C.1. Washing equipment non-contact areas clean. (exterior, framework, legs, 

soap dispensers, etc.) X 

D. Egg drying equipment and filters clean. X 

D.1. Egg drying equipment non-contact areas clean. (exterior, filter housing, 

motors, conduit, etc.) X 

E. Sanitizing and UV equipment clean. X 

E.1. Sanitizing Equipment non-contact areas clean. (sample draw port, tubing, 

motors, UV filters, chemical containers, etc.) X 

F. Shell protecting equipment clean, free of off-odors or obvious contamination. X 

G. Mass scanning, detectors, scales, transfers, and egg carriage system clean. X 

G.1. Equipment non-contact areas clean. (electrical wiring, framework, chutes, 

curtains, etc.) X 

H. Packaging equipment and conveyors clean. X 

H.1. Packaging equipment & conveyors non-contact surface areas clean. 

(framework, legs, rails, control center, covers, etc.) X 

I. Plastic flat washers and dryers clean. X 

II. Processing Rooms

A. Walls, ceilings, and floors clean. X 

B. Packaging and packing materials clean and free of mold, mustiness, and offodors. Racks, bossies, pallets, RPC’s, plastic flats, and baskets clean. X 

C. Benches, shelves, packing tables, packing units, and conveyors clean. X 

D. Inedible containers, centrifuges, pumps and hoses clean and odor free. X 

E. Parts washing cabinets, wall racks, and utility carts clean. X 

F. Fixtures over packing and packaging areas are clean. X 

III. Cooler and Storage Areas

A. Unprocessed egg coolers clean and free from odors. Walls, floor, and ceiling 

construction well maintained. X 

B. Processed egg coolers clean and free from odors. Walls, floor, and ceiling 

construction well maintained. X 

C. Packing and packaging storage areas clean and dry. Cartons and packaging 

materials covered. X 

D. Chemical compound, inedible containers storage areas clean. Chemical 

containers covered. X 

IV. Processing Building

A. Processing facility in good repair. Tight fitting doors on all entrances. X 

B. Outside shipping and receiving areas clean, well maintained (minimum of 18-

inch perimeter), and properly drained. Stored equipment is reasonably 

distanced from the facility.

 X 

C. Refuse removed, stored in designated area, & maintained in a clean manner. X 

D. Restrooms clean with functioning exhaust fans and hot water. Hand wash 

stations clean and have hot water. X 

E. USDA grader’s office and candling booth clean. X 

F. Inspection of premises indicates rodent and pest control program is effective. 

Bait stations clean and in good repair. X 

GRADER INITIALS 

PLANT MANAGEMENT INITIALS 

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REMARKS: (Please include accurate description of non-compliance) 

DATE ITEM # DESCRIPTION OF NONCOMPLIANCE CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN DATE CORRECTED 

Documentation and Date of AMS Supervisor Review with Plant Management: (If Applicable) 

LP-74 Reverse (06/2019) 

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QAD 705: EXHIBIT II

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PROGRAM 

PRE-OPERATIVE SHELL EGG PLANT SANITATION REPORT 

WEEK OF: 

June 7 - 13, 2021

PLANT NAME/NUMBER: 

P-1211

NAME OF GRADER(S):

Danny Zuko, Sandy Olson

S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 

I. Shell Egg Washing, Grading, and Packaging Operations & Equipment CRITICAL NON 

CRITICAL 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

S 

U 

A. Farm belt & framework (once it enters official processing or storage areas) 

clean. X S S S U S S S

B. Loaders, conveyors, accumulators, dirt return belt, orienters, & all pre-rinse 

equipment clean. X S S S S U S S

B.1. Equipment non-contact areas clean. (legs, framework, conduit, etc.) X S S S S S S S

C. Washers, heat exchangers, filters, nozzles, brushes, & compartments clean. X S S U S S S U

C.1. Washing equipment non-contact areas clean. (exterior, framework, legs, 

soap dispensers, etc.) X S S S S S S S 

D. Egg drying equipment and filters clean. X S S S S S S S

D.1. Egg drying equipment non-contact areas clean. (exterior, filter housing, 

motors, conduit, etc.) X S S S U S S S

E. Sanitizing and UV equipment clean. X S S S S S S S

E.1. Sanitizing Equipment non-contact areas clean. (sample draw port, tubing, 

motors, UV filters, chemical containers, etc.) X S S S U S S S

F. Shell protecting equipment clean, free of off-odors or obvious contamination. X N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

G. Mass scanning, detectors, scales, transfers, and egg carriage system clean. X U S S S S S S

G.1. Equipment non-contact areas clean. (electrical wiring, framework, chutes, 

curtains, etc.) X S S S U S S S

H. Packaging equipment and conveyors clean. X U U S S S U S

H.1. Packaging equipment & conveyors non-contact surface areas clean. 

(framework, legs, rails, control center, covers, etc.) X S S S U S S S

I. Plastic flat washers and dryers clean. X S S S S S S S

II. Processing Rooms

A. Walls, ceilings, and floors clean. X S S S S U S S

B. Packaging and packing materials clean and free of mold, mustiness, and offodors. Racks, bossies, pallets, RPC’s, plastic flats, and baskets clean. X S S S S S S S

C. Benches, shelves, packing tables, packing units, and conveyors clean. X S S S S S S S

D. Inedible containers, centrifuges, pumps and hoses clean and odor free. X S S S S S U S

E. Parts washing cabinets, wall racks, and utility carts clean. X S S S S S S S

F. Fixtures over packing and packaging areas are clean. X S S S S S S S

III. Cooler and Storage Areas

A. Unprocessed egg coolers clean and free from odors. Walls, floor, and ceiling 

construction well maintained. X S S S S S S S

B. Processed egg coolers clean and free from odors. Walls, floor, and ceiling 

construction well maintained. X S U S S S S S

C. Packing and packaging storage areas clean and dry. Cartons and packaging 

materials covered. X S S S S S S S

D. Chemical compound, inedible containers storage areas clean. Chemical 

containers covered. X S S S S S S S

IV. Processing Building

A. Processing facility in good repair. Tight fitting doors on all entrances. X S S S S S S S

B. Outside shipping and receiving areas clean, well maintained (minimum of 18-

inch perimeter), and properly drained. Stored equipment is reasonably 

distanced from the facility.

 X S S S S S S S

C. Refuse removed, stored in designated area, & maintained in a clean manner. X S S S S S S S

D. Restrooms clean with functioning exhaust fans and hot water. Hand wash 

stations clean and have hot water. X S S S S S S U

E. USDA grader’s office and candling booth clean. X S S S S S S S 

F. Inspection of premises indicates rodent and pest control program is effective. 

Bait stations clean and in good repair. X S S U S S S S

GRADER INITIALS DZ DZ DZ SO SO SO SO

PLANT MANAGEMENT INITIALS RO AB AB AB AB AB AB

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REMARKS: (Please include accurate description of non-compliance) 

DATE ITEM # DESCRIPTION OF NONCOMPLIANCE CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN DATE CORRECTED 

6/7 I.G Lifters and grippers in transfer area have egg meat on them. Corrected prior to start-up on 6/7.

6/7 I.H Upper drop set on packer #6 has egg meat and shell on it. Corrected prior to start-up on 6/7.

6/8 I.H Upper and lower drop sets on packer #6 have egg meat on them. Corrected prior to start-up on 6/8.

6/8 III.B Egg on floor just inside roll-up door of cooler #1. Corrected prior to use of cooler on 6/8

6/9 I.C Washer's drum filter has excessive amount of debris. Corrected prior to wash water reservoir being filled on 6/9

6/9 IV.F Loading dock fly zapping unit's tray is full and overflowing with dead flies. Corrected by 08:30 on 6/9

6/10 I.A Farm belt's framework and legs have egg meat on them. Corrected by 10:00 am on 6/10

6/10 I.D1 Egg dryer's motor and electrical conduits have dried egg on them. Corrected by 8:00 am on 6/10

6/10 I.E1 UV unit's lid has dust and debris on it. Corrected by 7:30 am on 6/10

6/10 I.G1 Leaker chute and support brackets have build-up of debris. Corrected prior to start-up on 6/11

6/10 I.H1 De-nesters on lanes #2,& 8 have build-up of debris. Both were corrected prior to start-up on 6/11

6/11 I.B Accumulator has excessive shell and debris. Corrected prior to start-up on 6/11

6/11 II.A Puddle of water under packing bench. Corrected by 7:00 am on 6/11

6/12 I.H Case conveyor's motor housing has build-up of egg and grease. Corrected prior to start-up on 6/13

6/12 II.D Inedible centrifuge's impellar and take away line have egg build-up. Corrected before start-up on 6/13

6/13 I.C Washer spray nozzles clogged up with debris. Corrected prior to start-up on 6/13

6/13 IV.D Hand wash station next to entry door is dirty. Corrected prior to start-up on 6/13

Documentation and Date of AMS Supervisor Review with Plant Management: (If Applicable) 

LP-74 Reverse (06/2019) 

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Agricultural Quality Assessment Division

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258

QAD 705: Exhibit III 

June 6, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Back to Top

Examples of appropriate remarks for the LP-74 Sanitation Report

Use only statements of fact when reporting sanitation deficiencies. Do not exaggerate words to 

document your findings. Below are some examples: 

Incorrect: Bugs all over the dry storage. 

Correct: Dead bugs on the floor near the trash container: Corrected

Reason: “All over the dry storage” could be misconstrued by some persons that the dry storage area 

has bugs crawling on the floor, ceiling, and walls in excessive proportions. It also does not specify an 

area of correction for plant employees or relief graders to follow up on. Be specific in describing the 

problem area.

Incorrect: Women’s restroom nasty. 

Correct: Women’s restroom has toilet paper on the floor and the sink is dirty: Corrected

Reason: “Nasty” is too vague, could mean different things to different people, and can be read as an 

exaggeration. Describe the actual conditions observed.

Incorrect: Water everywhere in the cooler. 

Correct: Water on the floor in front of loading dock: Corrected

Reason: “Water everywhere in the cooler” may be misconstrued by some persons to mean the entire 

cooler is flooded, or water is dripping off the ceiling. 

Incorrect: Egg all over machine. 

Correct: Egg meat and shell on the pickup bar, shells in the washers, and egg meat on the candle 

light: Corrected prior to start

Reason: “Egg all over machine” is not a statement of fact unless the entire machine has egg all over 

it. Exaggerations make it difficult to accurately follow up on sanitation deficiencies. 

Incorrect: Mold on ceiling of the cooler in front of fans.

Correct: Ceiling in front of north cooling unit is dirty. Corrected

Reason: Do you know for a fact that it is mold? Could it be dirt or mildew? Could it be refrigerant 

oil? If you know for a fact that it is mold, it would require immediate corrective action and you should 

Page 59
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258

QAD 705: Exhibit III 

June 6, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Back to Top

notify your supervisor for further instruction. If you don’t know for a fact what the material is, simply 

use a term such as “dirty”.

Incorrect: Acid wash the washers tonight. 

Correct: Washer #2 has scale buildup. To be corrected prior to start on 09/24/21: Corrected

Reason: We do not tell management how to clean. It is up to them to determine how to remove the 

scale buildup. We do not want to be held liable for damage caused to equipment because of our 

suggestion. 

Incorrect: Trash overflowing everywhere outside. 

Correct: Trash on the ground near the outside dumpster: Corrected

Reason: In addition to being an exaggeration, this description does not adequately describe the 

location of the problem. “Outside” is a big place!

Incorrect: Packer #14 full of egg. 

Correct: Egg meat on clamshells and guidebars of packer #14: Corrected prior to start

Reason: “Packer # 14 full of egg” could be misconstrued by some to mean there might be a gallon of 

liquid egg on top of packer #14. 

Every action that is written on the LP-74 must show corrective action. There are no exceptions.

Do not use a checkmark or “ok” as a replacement for “corrected” when documenting deficiencies. Use 

the term “Corrected” or “Above items corrected prior to start”. When using “To be corrected by 

9/24/21” or similar verbiage, Corrective action must still be shown at the time of completion. 

All documentation must be legible for the plant and other graders to understand what is documented 

and what needs correction. Plant management should initial the front of your LP-74 on a daily basis. 

If they refuse to initial the form, contact the AMS supervisor.

Page 60
Water Potability and Iron Certification Log 

QAD 705: Exhibit IV 

June 6, 2022

Plant Name: ______________________ Plant Number:_____________ 

Type of Water Source: ( ) Well ( ) Municipal 

Date 

Sample 

Due 

Date 

Sample 

Drawn 

Date Sample 

Sent to 

Laboratory 

Date 

Results 

Received 

Satisfactory 

Results 

Yes/No 

Need to 

Resample 

Yes/ No 

Remarks 

Page 61
QAD 705: Exhibit V 

June 6, 2022

Notice of Guarantee

For

Approval of Compounds

To assure that only approved compounds are used for the purpose intended, this notice of 

guarantee is being provided certifying that the listed compound(s) complies with all applicable 

Federal Food laws and may be used in official scheduled or unscheduled shell egg plants.

1. Name and address of the manufacturer of the compound(s):

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2. 

Name of Compound Category 

Code*

Regulatory 

Authority Code**

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

* See reverse for most commonly used category codes.

**Regulatory Authority Codes (list as applicable): 

(A) Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (cite section of regulations)

(B) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

(C) The requirements of 21 CFR 110.35 (b) Substances Used in Cleaning and

Sanitizing; Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or

Handling Human Food

(D) Food Safety and Inspection Service Sanitation Performance Standards

Compliance Guide

3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) attached ( ) Yes ( ) No

Manufacturer’s Certification: I certify that, if the above listed compound(s) are used according 

the instructions outlined on the label, comply with applicable Federal food regulations and the 

compound(s) will have no adverse effect on the eggs being processed. I understand that USDA 

retains the authority to refuse specific compounds that they determine unsafe or may cause 

product adulteration. 

Signature: ________________________________________________________________ 

Title and Date: ________________________________________________________________ 

Page 62
QAD 705: Exhibit V 

June 6, 2022

Category Code Letters

Code

Letters Conditions For Use CodeLetters Conditions For Use

A1, A2

A3, A4

Cleaning Compounds

Compounds for use as general cleaning agents on all surfaces, or for use with steam 

or mechanical cleaning devices in all departments. Before using these compounds, 

food products and packaging materials must be removed from the room or carefully 

protected. After using these compounds, all surfaces must be thoroughly rinsed 

with potable water.

G1, 

G2, G3

Water Treatment Compounds

Compounds used in such treatment should not remain in the water in concentrations 

greater than required by good practice.

G7 Compounds for treating boilers, steam lines, and/or cooling systems where neither 

the treated water nor the steam produced may contact edible products.

D1

Antimicrobial Compounds

Before using these compounds, food products and packaging materials must be 

removed from the room or carefully protected. After using these compounds, 

surfaces must be thoroughly rinsed with potable water before operations are 

resumed. The compounds must always be used at dilutions and according to 

applicable directions provided on the EPA registered label.

H1

Lubricants

These compounds may be used as a lubricant with incidental food contact. Such 

compounds may be used on food processing equipment as a protective anti-rust 

film, as a release agent on gaskets and as a lubricant for machine parts and 

equipment in locations in which there is potential exposure of the lubricated part to

food. The amount used should be the minimum required to accomplish the desired 

technical effect on the equipment. If used as an anti-rust film, the compounds must 

be removed from the equipment surface by washing or wiping.

D2

Before using these compounds, food products and packaging materials must be 

removed from the room or carefully protected. A potable water rinse is not 

required following the use of these compounds for sanitizing previously cleaned 

hard surfaces provided that the surfaces are adequately drained before contact with 

food. 

H2

These compounds may be used as a lubricant, release agent, or anti-rust film on 

equipment and machine parts or in closed systems in locations in which there is no 

possibility of the lubricant or lubricated part contacting edible products.

Q1

Compounds For Use On Shell Eggs

Eggs that have been washed with these compounds shall be subjected 

to a thorough rinse of warm potable water containing as accepted sanitizer.

E1, E2

Employee Hand Care

The compounds must be dispensed from adequate dispensers located a sufficient 

distance from the processing lines to prevent accidental product contamination. 

The hands need not be washed prior to the use of the compounds. After the use of 

the compounds, the hands must be thoroughly rinsed with potable water.

Q2 Eggs that have been destained with these compounds are to be rewashed and spray 

rinsed with warm potable water containing an acceptable sanitizer.

Q3 These quaternary ammonium chloride compounds shall be incorporated in a warm 

potable water spray rinse for use in sanitizing clean or freshly washed shell eggs. 

E3 

The compounds must be dispensed from adequate dispensers located a sufficient 

distance from the processing lines to prevent accidental product contamination. 

The hands must be washed and thoroughly rinsed prior to sanitizing with the 

compound. The compound may be injected into the wash and rinse water. The 

hands need not be rinsed with potable water following the use of the compound.

Q4

These chlorine compounds shall be incorporated in a warm potable water spray 

rinse for use in sanitizing clean and fresh shell eggs.

F1, F2

F3, F4

Pesticides

The compounds must be used according to applicable instructions provided on the 

label.

Q5

These compounds may be used to control foam in egg washing machines. Eggs 

washed in water containing these compounds shall be immediately subjected to a 

thorough rinse of warm potable water containing an accepted sanitizer.

F5

Before using these compounds, all edible products and packaging materials must be 

removed from the room to be fumigated. After fumigation, the treated equipment 

and space must be thoroughly aerated to remove all vapors before graders or 

employees reenter the area. Food contact surfaces must be rinsed with potable 

water before edible products are returned to the room.

Q6

These iodine compounds shall be incorporated in a spray rinse of warm water for 

use in sanitizing clean or freshly washed shell eggs. For freshly washed eggs, a 

rinse with warm potable water is required prior to application of the compound. A 

subsequent rinse is not required.

Page 63
QAD 705: Exhibit VI 

June 6, 2022

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Back to Top

Chemical Compound Log

Plant Name: _______________ Plant Number: _____________

City/State: _________________ Grader: ___________________

Manufacturer

Product 

Name

Approval Use 

in the 

NSF * Plant

Letter of 

Guarantee*

*Attached Updated ______________

Page 64
QAD 705: Exhibit VII 

October 15, 2021 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Back to Top

SHELL EGG SURVEILLANCE LABELING

The following examples may be used as guidelines for developing labels. 

 Cases Containing Only Cases Containing Only

 Checked Eggs: Dirty Eggs: 

 

 CHECKS

For Processing Only in an Official

 USDA Egg Products Plant

 Hendricks Poultry Farm

1500 Feather Lane

 Gainesville, GA 30501

 DIRTY EGGS

 Victor Farms

2020 Retiro Court

 Yucaipa, CA 92320

Cases Containing Either Dirty

 Or Checked Eggs or a Combination 

 Of the Two:

 

 RESTRICTED EGGS

 For Processing Only in an Official

 USDA Egg Products Plant

Warnock Poultry 

 1789 Miles Road

 Broomfield, CO 80023

Check Eggs: 

DIRTY AND CHECKED EGGS

 For Processing Only in an Official USDA

 Egg Products Plant

 Lobstein Chick Farm

153 Capital Street

 Washington, DC 20250

 Loss, Leakers, and Inedibles Loss, Leakers, Inedibles, and Incubator

In Shell Form: Rejects in Crushed or Liquid Form: 

RESTRICTED EGGS

NOT TO BE USED AS HUMAN FOOD

 Perigen Acres

1289 County Rd 12

 Modesto, CA 95356

INEDIBLE 

EGG PRODUCT NOT TO BE USED

AS HUMAN FOOD

 Shomaker Egg 

 901 Compliance Blvd

 Caledonia, OH 43314

Hatchery Culls that are Washed, Unwashed 

Or Show Evidence of Daylight Segregating: Product Containing Blood or Meat

 Spots, but No Other Types of Loss or 

 

 

UNCLASSIFIED EGGS

TO BE REGRADED

 AJ Johnson Farms

 3151 Chalazae Street

Virginia Beach, VA 23460

Inedible Eggs: 

 SPOTS - FOR PROCESSING

ONLY IN AN OFFICIAL EGG

PRODUCTS PLANTS

 Hendricks Poultry Farm

 1500 Feather Lane

 Gainesville, GA 30501

Page 65
 

 

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 706 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 July 25, 2022 

Service Washington, DC 20250 

QAD 706: BASICS OF GRADING 

706.1 Placement of Container 

When possible, place the case, filler flat, or carton to be graded directly under the candling light so that 

sufficient light will shine on the eggs being examined. This permits proper observation of shell 

condition and packaging material. 

706.2 Eggs to Grade 

An official sample consists of candling 100 eggs from each sample case in the lot. 

For 30-dozen cases: 

Odd Numbered Sample: Examine odd numbered samples (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.) from the 

top 100 eggs. The odd numbered samples are to be checked on the USDA Sample 

Sticker (LP-12) side and initialed end of the case. 

Even Numbered Sampled: Examine even numbered samples (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) from the 

bottom 100 eggs. The even numbered samples are to be checked on the opposite end 

of the case that the USDA Sample Sticker (LP-12) and initials are placed. 

For 15-dozen cases or baskets: 

Odd Number Sample: Examine odd numbered samples (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.) from the top 

100 eggs. 

Even Number Sample: Examine even numbered samples (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) from the 

bottom 100 eggs. 

Racks or Bossies 

Examine the 100 eggs from the designated imaginary half-case position will be 

examined in the following rotation: 

7 High (Shelves 1 & 2) 6 High (Top Shelf) 

Sample # 1 - Layer 1-2-3 Sample # 1 - Layer 1-2-3 

2 - Layer 4-5-6 2 - Layer 4-5-6 

3 - Layer 1-2-7 3 - Layer 1-2-6 

4 - Layer 3-4-5 4 - Layer 3-4-5 

5 - Layer 1-6-7 5 - Layer 1-3-5 

6 - Layer 2-3-4 6 - Layer 2-4-6 

7 - Layer 5-6-7 

Repeat in same sequence for Repeat in same sequence 

samples in excess of 7. samples in excess of 6. 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

When less than a complete flat or carton is graded to complete the 100 egg sample, the USDA, AMS 

grader (grader) is to initial the applicable flat or carton and grade the following eggs: 

30-Egg Flat 18-Egg Carton 12-Egg Carton 

X X X X X 

X X X X X 

LID 

X X 

X X X X X X 

X X 

LID 

X X 

X X 

8-Egg Carton 36-Egg Carton 24-Egg Carton 

LID 

X X 

X X 

6-Egg Carton 

LID 

X X 

X X 

LID 

X X X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X X X 

LID 

X X 

X X 

706.3 Items to Observe Continuously 

A. The newness, soundness, and cleanliness of each egg flat tray or carton as they are 

removed from the case at time of grading and weighing. 

B. The presence and degree of abnormalities, stains, and dirties by examining individual 

eggs in direct light. 

C. Color of the eggs; i.e., white, cream, brown, or shades thereof. 

D. The number of eggs that are packed small end up (if it is a specification requirement). 

E. Undesirable odors. If a definitive, undesirable odor is detected, retain the lot as “No 

Grade” and describe the odor on the Form LP-75, in the comment log. 

Interior quality is determined by the firmness of the white as measured by the yolk movement. To 

maintain grade interpretation, some eggs are to be broken out occasionally to correlate the broken-out 

appearance with the candled appearance. The grader can make any necessary adjustment to the candled 

grade interpretation. This method can also be used to correlate candled appearance of yolk defects with 

their broken-out appearance. 

When describing quality factors, use only the terminology shown in the regulations. 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

706.4 Segregation of Egg While Grading 

As each individual egg is graded, place the eggs of each quality in separate egg flats, or if the lot of 

eggs is uniform, segregate the undergrades and place them in separate areas of one flat. In addition to 

segregating the eggs for quality, segregate the underweight eggs. After recording the number of 

underweight eggs, regrade them for quality and record the results. 

706.5 How to Replace Graded Eggs in the Sample Case 

Return the 100 eggs which were graded to the top layers in the end of the case which was graded. 

When grading loose packed eggs, the undergrades are to be returned to the sample, beginning with the 

third layer, second layer, etc. When grading eggs packed in consumer packages, return the undergrades 

to the individual containers in which they were packed. If requested by plant management, all, or 

certain undergrade eggs; i.e., checks, dirties, leakers, loss, may be removed from the samples and 

replaced with higher quality eggs after being tabulated on the Form LP-75. When plant management 

elects to replace undergrade eggs with higher quality eggs, the product is not eligible for an appeal 

grading. 

When a completed sample is returned to a reusable plastic case “RPC” or movable rack “bossie” rather 

than to a case or basket, each primary unit in the sample (flat, carton, etc.) is to be identified; i.e., small 

letter “s”, grader's initials, etc. 

706.6 Weighing 

The assignment of a weight class to a lot of eggs is part of the service normally requested by the 

applicant. Eggs packed into shielded packaging stating grade and weight must meet all U.S. grade and 

weight standards. For lot grading of non-shielded eggs, either weighing or grading may be omitted at 

the request of the applicant. If so requested, make appropriate statement in the “Remarks” section of 

the Form LP-210S: Shell Egg Grading Certificate (refer to QAD 710). 

Determine the average net weight on all lots of eggs graded, based on 30-dozen eggs. Record the 

number of individual eggs which are below the minimum weight required for the weight class. 

When weighing shipping containers of eggs and the scale reads between two graduation marks, the 

correct net weight is read to the lower graduation mark. When establishing tare weights for empty 

consumer containers, shipping containers, and other packing material, the correct tare weight is read to 

the higher graduation mark. 

Prior to each grading, graders are to level, balance, and check the scales for accuracy with test weights 

sufficient in number and size to check the weight of product being weighed. Grader’s must document 

scale verifications on the LP-75 or LP-211 as appropriate. The accuracy of test weights or scales must 

be periodically verified (at least yearly) by certified State or County weights and measures personnel 

or other qualified individuals licensed by the State or County to perform test certifications. All scales 

must zero at no load before testing with a test weight. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Back to Top 

Page 68
 

QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

The following acceptance tolerance values apply only to digital type scales regardless of the increment 

of calibration. These tolerance values do not apply to dial-type scales which must be adjusted to 

reflect the actual weight of the test weight. Digital scales registering beyond the allotted tolerance 

value must be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the tolerance value is to be determined once for 

each scale and does not have to be recalculated unless the scale or test weights are replaced. When 

verifying scales for accuracy, graders are to use established tolerance values based on the formula 

listed below: 

TEST WEIGHT = TEST LOAD SCALE DIVISION 

Once the test load is determined, the grader is to use the following chart to determine whether the scale 

meets maintenance tolerance values. 

The scale must meet the below listed tolerances in order to be utilized for weighing procedures. 

The tolerance is the maximum number of scale divisions allowed for a scale to be acceptable for 

official weighing without further adjustment. 

TEST LOAD TOLERANCE 

(Scale Divisions) (Scale Divisions) 

0 – 500 1 

501 – 2000 2 

2001 – 4000 3 

4001 – + 5 

Once the tolerance (scale division) is determined, the information is to be posted near the scales or in 

the candling booth. 

Example: A 2-ounce test weight used on a scale graduated in tenths of an ounce. Two ounces divided 

by .1 ounces = a test load of 20 scale divisions. A tolerance of + 1 scale division or .10 

ounce is allowed. 

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Page 69
 

 

 

 

 

QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

Example: A 50-pound test weight used on a scale graduated in .05 pound increments. Fifty pounds 

divided by .05 lbs = a test load of 1,000 scale divisions. A tolerance of + 2 scale divisions 

or .10 pound is allowed. 

A. The following procedures are to be used to determine the net weight of packed and 

packaged eggs: 

1. The net weight of eggs packed in uniform (one-type construction) fiber cases 

may be determined by weighing at least two empty cases and the flats to obtain 

the average tare weight (case and packing material) per case. Gross weigh each 

sample case and obtain the net weight by subtracting the average case tare from 

the gross weight. Net weights are to be reported on the LP-75s to the lowest 1/4 

-pound graduations, except when using the weight conversion chart for eggs 

packed in other than 30-dozen cases. 

2. Consumer sized containers such as cartons, sleeves, or 5 dozen containers often 

vary in weight; therefore, prior to weighing product, graders are to establish a 

tare weight for each size container. The tare weight is determined by weighing 

5 empty individual containers of each size. Using these weights, find the 

average packaging tare by adding the individual weights and dividing by the 

number of packages weighed. The package that is nearest without being lower 

than the average weight will represent the tare. Zero the scale with the 

representative container prior to weighing product. 

NOTE: These tare weights will be re-established quarterly, at a minimum; or, when the 

manufacturer or the materials change. 

Report all weights on the basis of 30-dozen units. When eggs are packed less than 30-dozen to a case, 

convert the net weight of the eggs to a 30-dozen case equivalent on the Form LP-210S. See Exhibit I 

for information on individual egg weights and Exhibit II for the minimum net weights for various egg 

containers. 

706.7 Assignment of Grades 

Each lot of eggs is to be assigned a specific grade. If the lot shows extreme variations, no grade is to 

be assigned and the statement “No U.S. Grade Assigned” is used in place of the official grade. 

When a lot of eggs have absorbed smoke, chemical, or other foreign odors which affect the appearance 

or flavor, the lot is to be classed as “No Grade.” Retain the lot immediately and notify the USDA, 

AMS supervisor (supervisor) in order to contact the applicable FDA official. 

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Page 70
 

 

 

 

 

QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

706.7a Examples of Correct Grade Terminology 

1. Consumer U.S. Grade AA Large 

U.S. Grade A Medium 

U.S. Grade B Extra Large 

2. Nest-Run U.S. Nest-Run 85% AA Quality Class I 

706.7b Assigning a Consumer Grade 

A lot may be considered for a U.S. Consumer Grade: 

1. When the lot does not exceed 0.50 percent leakers, dirties, or loss at origin. The loss 

is limited to meat or blood spots and may not exceed 0.30 percent. 

2. When the lot does not exceed 1.00 percent leakers, dirties, or loss at destination. The 

loss is limited to meat or blood spots and may not exceed 0.30 percent. 

For origin and destination gradings of Grades AA, A, and B, no lot will be rejected or downgraded due 

to the quality of a single egg except for loss other than leakers, and blood or meat spots. 

Note: A full-size sample is required for a lot to be eligible for a U.S. Consumer Grade designation. 

Origin Gradings – 

Grade AA: 87 % AA quality, no more than 5% checks (7% for Jumbos), no more 

than 1% B quality due to air cells, small blood spots or serious yolk defects. 

Grade A: 87% A quality, no more than 5% checks (7% for Jumbos), no more than 

1% B quality due to air cells, small blood spots or serious yolk defects. 

Grade B: 90% B quality, no more than 10% checks. 

Destination Gradings – 

Grade AA: 72% AA quality, 10% A quality, 7% checks (9% for Jumbo) no more 

than 1% B quality due to air cells, small blood spots or serious yolk defects. 

Grade A: 82% A quality or better, 7% checks (9% for Jumbo) no more than 1% B 

quality due to air cells, small blood spots or serious yolk defects. 

Grade B: 90% B quality or better, 10% checks. 

706.7c Assigning a Nest Run Class 

Since loss is a factor which cannot be compensated for, the first step in assigning a nest-run grade is to 

compare the loss on the worksheet with the chart for nest-run grades. 

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Page 71
 

 

 

QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

Note: Unused tolerances of eggs with adhering dirt in excess of one-half inch may not be substituted 

for other tolerances. 

When assigning a nest-run grade, it may be possible to substitute unused percentages of loss tolerance 

for the tolerance qualities of 6 percent checks, or 10 percent B quality as shown in §56.231 Table 1 of 

the United States Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs, AMS 56 (Shell Egg 

Standards) (see below for copy of the table). If only 1 percent loss is found, the tolerances specified 

for either checks or B quality can be increased, if necessary, by 2 percent provided that a minimum of 

85 percent A quality or better is maintained. Excess loss cannot be offset by unused percentages of 

other qualities. Next, compare the percentages of AA quality eggs with the required minimum of 20 

percent. Additionally, no individual case may contain less than 10 percent AA quality eggs. 

Once it has been determined that the lot meets the grade requirements, the appropriate weight class is 

to be assigned. Determine the lot average net weight and compare it to the weight classes shown in the 

Shell Egg Standards §56.232 Table 1 (see below for copy of the table). For example: If the lot 

average net weight is 46.5 pounds, the correct weight class would be Class 2. 

After the correct weight class has been determined, examine the net weight of each individual case in 

the sample to see that it does not vary more than 2 pounds (plus or minus) from the lot average. If the 

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Page 72
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

lot average net weight does not figure out to an even one-fourth pound, round off the lot average net 

weight to the nearest one-fourth pound for determining compliance with the 2 pounds (plus or minus) 

variation allowed. Do not round off the average net weight shown on the worksheet. 

When eggs that were offered for nest-run grading fail to meet grade requirements, enter under “Official 

U.S. Grade and Size”, the statement: “No grade or size assigned.” Under the “Remarks” section, enter 

the statement: 

“Product offered for nest-run grading failed to meet grade requirements for (list reasons the product 

did not make grade requirements).” 

When product that is offered for a nest-run grading fails to meet weight class requirements due to 

variation in weight, (exceeding plus or minus 2 pounds from the average net weight), enter under 

“Official U.S. Grade and Size” the words “See Remarks.” In the “Remarks” section, enter the 

statement: 

“No weight class assigned due to individual case(s) exceeding maximum variation permitted in each 

weight class.” 

In Weight Class 4, because of the small size of the eggs, there can be a quality problem due to a large 

percentage of the eggs packed small end up; therefore, special attention needs to be given to grading 

for yolk defects. 

Example: A 380-case lot of “U.S. Nest-Run 35.08 percent. 

AA quality, “Class 2” eggs: 

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 

Net AA A B's* Checks Loss Dirty** 

Weight 

45.50 44 31 10 9 1-LS 5 

47.75 15 70 5 10 --- -

47.00 18 74 2 2 1-BW 3 

45.25 64 12 2 22 --- -

46.25 51 32 2 5 2-MR/1-LS 7 

46.00 15 77 4 2 2-LS -

47.25 17 67 0 16 --- -

45.50 24 65 3 6 2-LS -

47.25 70 14 10 4 1-LK -

46.75 20 70 3 2 --- 5 

46.50 15 74 4 4 1-LK 2 

48.00 68 25 4 1 --- 2 

48.00 35 58 4 - 1-LK 2 

Total 607.00 456 669 53 83 13 26 

Average 46.69 35.08 51.46 4.08 6.38 1.0 2.0 

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Page 73
 

QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

*B Quality for shell shape, pronounced ridges or thin spots, interior quality (including small blood or 

meat spots), or cage marks and blood stains. 

**Dirties - only adhering dirt or foreign material one-half inch or larger in diameter is to be counted. 

1/ Lot averages 46.69 and would therefore meet Class 2 weight classification. Weight rounded to 

the nearest one-fourth pound would be 46.75. No case can be less than 44.75 or more than 

48.75. 

2/ Minimum lot average must be 20 percent with no case less than 10 percent. 

3/ No individual case may contain less than 75 percent A and AA quality eggs in any 

combination. Lot average must be a minimum of 85 percent A quality or better. 

4/ Maximum of 10 percent permitted. Unused loss or check tolerance may be used for B 

tolerance. 

5/ Checks exceed the 6-percent permitted tolerance. The 2-percent unused loss tolerance may be 

used for tolerance on checks or B qualities. 

6/ Maximum of 3 percent permitted. 

7/ Maximum of 5 percent permitted (unused tolerance for dirties may not be substituted). 

706.8 Official Identification of Cases 

No appeal or regrading is permitted unless a lot is adequately identified, and all cases are sealed. 

706.8a How and What to Stamp 

Cases of eggs officially identified are to be single stamped in a neat, uniform, and legible manner with 

stamps oriented in the same direction as the case information, and not applied over preprinted 

information. Officially identified sample cases previously identified in this manner will not be eligible 

for reuse without obliterating the grade stamp. 

706.8b Types of Stamps to Use 

U.S. Grademark (Figures 1, 2, 3) - For use on eggs of current production that are candled under 

continuous USDA, AMS supervision at scheduled or unscheduled plants. This stamp should be 

applied at the time the eggs were packed. Incorporate the date of grading such as 04-12-2020, or April 

12, 2020, in this stamp. Do not use the consecutive day of the year. Alternatively, the number of the 

certificate issued may be used in the stamp. 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

Figure-1 Figure-2 Figure-3 

If a plant desires to have the cases officially identified with the grademark at a later date, the cases 

must be identified with the USDA lot stamp (Figure 9) at the time of packing. The date in the 

consumer stamp must be the same as the official lot grading date, as shown in the lot stamp. 

Certificates may be issued as outlined in QAD 710.2 or 710.3. 

U.S.D.A Sample Grade AA, A, B (Figures 4, 5, 6) - For use when the eggs were not graded under 

USDA, AMS supervision and the grade is determined on a sample graded basis. Use the issued 

certificate number in the stamp. All cases in the lot are to be stamped. 

 Figure-4 Figure-5 Figure-6 

Graded For Export (Figure 7) - For use on product packed for all export sales. Use the issued 

certificate number in the stamp. 

Note: Shipments destined for territories of the United States (Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 

American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)) and military commissary sales are considered 

domestic products and should not be reported as exports. 

 Figure-7 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

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Nest Run Grade (Figure 8) - For use on product meeting U.S. Nest-Run grade standards, approved 

nest-run specifications, or other types of nest-run certification. Use the issued certificate number in the 

stamp. The stamp includes washed, sized, or unsized nest-run eggs. 

 Figure-8 

USDA Lot Stamp (Figure 9) - For use on product that has been processed under continuous USDA, 

AMS supervision, and will be identified with a consumer grademark (Figures 1, 2, 3) or the Graded 

For Export stamp (Figure 7) at a later date. The lot number used in the stamp is to be the consecutive 

day of the year the eggs are packed; i.e., 009 for January 9. Alternative lot numbering systems may be 

approved by the National Office or supervisor. 

If the eggs are not officially graded and identified with a consumer grademark as above, the lot stamp 

must be obliterated from all containers prior to leaving the official plant unless the eggs are shipped 

under USDA, AMS control. 

 Figure 9 

Contract Compliance (Figure 10) - When shell eggs are graded for contract compliance and 

commercial specifications, they may be identified with this stamp (Figure 10) or the applicable U.S. 

Consumer grademark. Either the date or the issued certificate number may be used in the stamp. 

 Figure 10 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

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Produced from Grade AA or A (Figures 11 & 12) - for the identification of further processed shell eggs 

verified as originating from U.S. Consumer Grade AA or A. 

 Figure 11 Figure 12 

Certified Pasteurized (Figure 13 & 14) – Shell eggs verified as being treated in accordance with an 

FDA approved Salmonella 5 log reduction. Product originated from U.S. Consumer Grade AA or A. 

 Figure 13 Figure 14 

706.8c Computer Generated Stamps 

Computer generated stamps differ from preprinted grade shields in that they have changeable 

information like a rubber stamp. 

Preprinted Grade Shield Computer Generated Stamp 

(no changeable information) (changeable information) 

Upon review and approval by the National Office, packing materials may be officially identified with 

computer generated official stamp imprints. Computer generated Contract Compliance and Export 

stamps may be applied on the packing material meeting contract and export specification requirements. 

Prior to each use, plant management must advise the grader of their intention to use the labels and the 

amount of product to be labeled. Graders are to authorize and monitor the application of the computer 

generated stamps by plant employees using the same guidelines applicable for the use of official 

stamps as outlined in QAD 902B. The “List of Authorized Users of USDA Grading Stamps” log is to 

be completed and filed in folder number “6”in the grader's official files. 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

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Labels containing computer generated stamps require National Office approval before use and should 

follow the same approval and control procedures detailed in L-01: Shell Egg Label Approval available 

on the AMS website. It is the responsibility of plant management to provide a copy of the approved 

label to the grader. 

706.8d Obliteration of Official Identification 

The reuse of consumer containers, shipping containers, or labels bearing official identification or other 

information representing that the product was officially graded without having been graded is not 

permitted unless all such official identification is obliterated, including removal of labels with official 

identification. The satisfactory obliteration of the USDA grademark and other official stamps from 

consumer containers and shipping containers consists of blotting out the stamp outline and information 

contained therein. This may be accomplished by using a marking device, stencil brush, spray paint, or 

a pressure sensitive sticker that removes the imprint of the stamp or grademark if the sticker is pulled 

off. All official narrative information must be completely obliterated so that it is not legible. 

706.9 Sampling and Grading Over-Wrap/Shrink-Wrap Product (Origin Plant) 

Consumer cartons and filler-flats are frequently over-wrapped with polyethylene film and heated to 

create a unitized consumer package. Similar forms of packaging may include using lid type covers in 

combination with over-wrapping. The sampling and grading of these products are dependent on the 

packaging type, the sealing process, and assurance that the process does not result in an increase 

number of checks or leakers. 

Official samples are normally selected after the eggs are in the final packaging. However, sampling 

over-wrapped eggs requires destructive sampling which may cause additional sampling time and 

wastes over-wrapping material. Approval to sample prior to final packaging, at the current online 

sampling rate (1/100), may be allowed if the plant has demonstrated that the overall integrity of the 

product does not change during the packaging process. To verify product integrity after final 

packaging, the grader must select and examine additional samples. Defects assessed are to be limited 

to: checks, leakers, and dirties created by leaking eggs. These additional samples will be at a reduced 

rate of 1 in 200 and recorded on LP-75 as a separate grade line. Sample results exceeding tolerances 

for checks, leakers, or dirties, will require retention of the sampling period or lot. If the process is 

deemed to be causing additional defects, as indicated by retention, return to 1/100 sampling after final 

packaging (destructive sampling) until management has resolved the problem. 

Examples of common over-wrapping processes are listed below with guidance. Requests for approval 

of alternate over-wrapping processes must be submitted to the National Office. 

• When packaging, including over-wrapping, is a continuous activity from when the eggs are 

processed, acceptance of the finished product is based on online sampling after the final 

packaging. 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

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•

•

•

•

If the eggs are packed in cartons then moved to another location within the plant for overwrapping or strapping, acceptance of the finished product may be based on online sampling 

procedures before the over-wrapping or strapping process. Secondary sampling (1/200) for 

handling defects will be necessary after the eggs have been over-wrapped. With approval from 

the supervisor, product that is packaged in containers with all required labeling, may be overwrapped at a later time without the grader present as long as the product is held for resampling 

(1/200) for handling defects before entering commercial channels; i.e., combining two 18-egg 

cartons with over-wrap or strapping to make a 36-egg package. 

Upon review and approval by the supervisor, eggs packed in filler-flats and moved to another 

location within the plant may be online sampled before shrink-wrapping. 

Additional samples (1/200) will need to be taken after final packaging to assess the wrapping 

process and net weight of containers. Individual egg weights would be assessed during the 

original online sampling, prior to over-wrapping, and would not be verified during the post 

over-wrapping samples. Product on filler-flats must be wrapped under continuous USDA, 

AMS supervision. 

Over-wrapping performed at a location away from the origin packaging plant will require resampling and regrading according to procedures established in QAD 706.10. 

706.10 Repackaging Eggs Shipped from another Official Plant 

Some official plants pack consumer grade shell eggs in bulk and ship them to another official plant for 

packing under an official grademark label. To be eligible for this procedure, the eggs must be packed 

at the origin plant under continuous USDA, AMS supervision. The cases may be sealed and stamped 

with the consumer grademark stamp. 

If the applicant does not wish to seal and stamp the cases, the eggs may be packed in bulk cases or 

loose flats on pallets (tic tac) without sealing and stamping, when transported in a truck or trailer which 

is sealed by the origin plant grader. If this option is used, the grader at the receiving plant must break 

the seal on the truck to maintain product identity. The grader at origin will prepare and send with the 

load an LP-210S: Shell Egg Grading Certificate to the grader at the destination plant showing the 

quantity, size, quality, and seal number. Both origin and destination graders are to retain a copy of the 

LP-210S in their files together with Form LP-75. 

When the above conditions are met, the eggs may, at the option of the applicant, be packed in officially 

identified containers bearing the original lot number, without being re-processed on a shell egg grading 

machine. Acceptance or rejection of the finished product will be determined by the scheduled grader 

using online sampling procedures as the lot is being repackaged, recording only those defects caused 

by transportation and handling. Transportation and handling defects will be limited to: checks, leakers, 

and dirties created by leaking eggs. Additionally, net weights of the consumer packaging are to be 

verified. Individual egg weights are to be assessed during the original online sampling, at origin, and 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

should not be verified at the secondary packaging location. If online samples are selected prior to 

repackaging, additional destructive sampling (1 in 200) of the packaged product must be done to verify 

the packaging process did not create additional defects. The supervisor may approve other means 

when deemed necessary. 

If retention(s) occurs, follow the online retention and rework procedures in QAD 708. 

Product from other processing locations not packed under continuous USDA, AMS supervision that 

has been sorted for quality and/or size, may be processed, repackaged, and eligible for official 

identification at the destination. For this to be acceptable, plant management must provide the grader 

with a certificate validating the date of lay and the product must be processed and packed at destination 

under continuous USDA, AMS supervision. 

706.11 Handling of Officially Identified Eggs Rejected by USDA at Locations Other than 

Where Packed 

706.11a Eggs Rejected for Quality and/or size 

The destination grader will place a U.S. Hold tag (Form LP-36) on each lot rejected by USDA, AMS. 

The grader will record on the tags the number of cases in the lot by grades and sizes, and the reason for 

the rejection. No lot of eggs may be rejected for size unless the grader has balanced and tested each 

scale used during the grading. No rejected lots may be moved from the point where they are rejected 

until: 

1. The official identification is obliterated, or 

2. The eggs are removed from the consumer containers and the containers returned to an 

official plant or destroyed, or 

3. Specific arrangements are made by the owner of the product or his designated 

representative to have the above work done at another plant which has USDA, AMS 

grading service. 

706.11b Documentation of Rejection 

Lots that are rejected for reasons other than significantly out-of-grade quality factors, such as weight 

factors, must be reported to the immediate supervisor. 

706.11c Product Re-handled at Location Other than Point of Rejection 

When product is to be re-handled at a plant other than where rejected, the owner of the product or his 

designated representative must contact both plant management and the grader at the point where the 

eggs are to be shipped. The information to be conveyed must include the date and estimated time of 

arrival, the number of cases involved, etc. 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

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When the grader who made the rejection is assured that grading service is available where the rework 

will be performed, the grader will advise management that the eggs may be shipped. The grader is to 

prepare a Retained Product Transfer/Release Memorandum (Refer to QAD 708) to accompany the 

shipment to the final destination. The grader is to communicate with the destination grader confirming 

the details of the shipment. 

Upon arrival, the hold tags attached to the cases are to be removed by the grader receiving the eggs. 

After verifying the count, the grader will communicate with the grader who retained the eggs that all 

tags were received, removed, and destroyed. A receipt copy of the narrative memorandum must be 

emailed back to the grader who issued it. The receiving grader will place new hold tags on the lot until 

final disposition has been made. If the eggs, hold tags, and receipt memorandum are not received by 

the receiving grader on the agreed upon date for arrival, the grader must contact the supervisor who 

will initiate action to determine the location of the eggs and other information. 

Any discrepancy in the number of cases in the lot or failure of the eggs to arrive at the agreed upon 

location will be communicated immediately by the grader at the rework plant to the supervisor. The 

supervisor will then investigate the reason why the eggs did not arrive. When the eggs arrive for 

reworking, the grader will observe the reworking of product, the obliteration of applicable markings, 

and proper reuse or destruction of the containers. 

706.11d Supervisory Follow-up of Unsatisfactory Product 

The supervisor(s) of the origin and destination graders are to particularly observe the grader's 

gradeline, egg handling, and grading procedures on the first supervisory visit following a rejection. 

The supervisory visit is to be scheduled as early as practicable. 

706.12 Consumer Grade-Labeled Product Which was not Officially Graded 

Shell eggs which are consumer labeled with the official grademark normally have the label applied 

immediately after the product is sorted by the company employees. Application of the official 

grademark can only be completed under the continuous supervision of the Official USDA, AMS 

grader. In instances where the official grademark is inadvertently applied without the presence of 

USDA, AMS, product must be held under controls until the scheduled grader has again reported for 

duty and disposition can be determined. It is a violation of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to 

release product identified with the official grademark for distribution or sale before it is officially 

graded. Should this occur, the scheduled grader will follow these procedures: 

706.12a Protect the Consumer 

To protect the consumer, the grader should immediately inform the highest plant management official 

available and insist that all product be returned to the plant. 

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QAD 706 Procedure 

July 25, 2022 

706.12b Notice of Verbal Request 

Confirm the verbal request to management in writing. The written notice given to the company should 

be acknowledged by obtaining the signature of the highest plant management official available. 

706.12c Complete Inventory 

A copy of the written request together with a complete inventory of the quantity of product involved, 

date, plant, actions taken by the company, etc., are to be forwarded to the supervisor. 

706.12d Request Letter from Firm 

Request that plant management write a letter to the supervisor. The letter should explain how the 

product happened to be shipped without official grading, and what specific steps the company intends 

to take to prevent a recurrence. 

706.12e Notification of Resistance 

If there is any resistance on the part of the applicant to recall the product, call the supervisor 

immediately. If the supervisor is not available, contact the Regional Office. Such calls, if at all 

possible, are to be made from the plant so that applicable grading personnel may also speak with plant 

management. 

706.12f Form LP-518-1 

A Form LP-518-1: Alleged Violation and Detention Notice must be completed and distributed the day 

of the violation by the grader after guidance from the supervisor. See QAD 114 Alleged Violations 

Instruction. 

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Page 82
 

EXHIBIT I 

INDIVIDUAL EGG WEIGHT TABLE 

SIZE 

OUNCES 

PER 

DOZEN 

OUNCES PER EGG GRAMS PER EGG 

Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten 

Thousandths 

Whole 

Number 

Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten 

Thousandths 

PEE WEE 

SMALL 17 1.5 1.42 1.417 1.4167 41 40.2 40.17 40.162 40.1618 

MEDIUM 20 1.7 1.67 1.667 1.6667 48 47.3 47.25 47.250 47.2492 

LARGE 23 2.0 1.92 1.917 1.9167 55 54.4 54.34 54.337 54.3365 

EXTRA LARGE 26 2.2 2.17 2.167 2.1667 62 61.5 61.43 61.424 61.4239 

JUMBO 29 2.5 2.42 2.417 2.4167 69 68.6 68.52 68.512 68.5113 

Page 83
EXHIBIT II

Minimum Net Weight for Various Egg Containers 

Size 6 Egg Pack - Minimum Net. Weight 

Ounces/Pack Whole Grams Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten Thousandths 

Pee Wee 7.5 213 212.7 212.63 212.622 212.6213

Small 9 256 255.2 255.15 255.146 255.1455

Medium 10.5 300 297.7 297.67 297.670 297.6698

Large 12 341 340.2 340.20 340.194 340.1940

Extra Large 13.5 383 382.8 382.72 382.719 382.7183

Jumbo 15 426 425.3 415.25 425.243 425.2425

Size 8 Egg Pack - Minimum Net. Weight 

Ounces/Pack Whole Grams Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten Thousandths 

Pee Wee 10 284 283.5 283.50 283.495 283.4950

Small 12 341 340.2 340.20 340.194 340.1940

Medium 14 397 396.9 396.90 396.893 396.8930

Large 16 454 453.6 453.60 453.592 453.5920

Extra Large 18 511 510.3 510.30 510.291 510.2910

Jumbo 20 567 567.0 566.99 566.990 566.9900

Size 12 Egg Pack - Minimum Net. Weight 

Ounces/Pack Whole Grams Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten Thousandths 

Pee Wee 15 426 425.3 425.25 425.243 425.2425

Small 18 511 510.3 510.30 510.291 510.2910

Medium 21 596 595.4 595.34 595.340 595.3395

Large 24 681 680.4 680.39 680.388 680.3880

Extra Large 27 766 765.5 765.44 765.437 765.4365

Jumbo 30 851 850.5 850.49 850.485 850.4850

Size 18 Egg Pack - Minimum Net. Weight 

Ounces/Pack Whole Grams Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten Thousandths 

Pee Wee 22.5 638 637.9 637.87 637.864 637.8638

Small 27 766 765.5 765.44 765.437 765.4365

Medium 31.5 894 893.1 893.01 893.010 893.0093

Large 36 1021 1020.6 1020.59 1020.582 1020.5820

Extra Large 40.5 1149 1148.2 1148.16 1148.155 1148.1548

Jumbo 45 1276 1275.8 1275.73 1275.728 1275.7275

Size 20 Egg Pack - Minimum Net. Weight 

Ounces/Pack Whole Grams Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten Thousandths 

Pee Wee 25 709 708.8 708.74 708.738 708.7375

Small 30 851 850.5 850.49 850.485 850.4850

Medium 35 993 992.3 992.24 992.233 992.2325

Large 40 1134 1134.0 1133.98 1133.980 1133.9800

Extra Large 45 1276 1275.8 1275.73 1275.728 1275.7275

Jumbo 50 1418 1417.5 1417.48 1417.475 1417.4750

Size 24 Egg Pack - Minimum Net. Weight 

Ounces/Pack Whole Grams Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten Thousandths 

Pee Wee 30 851 850.5 850.49 850.485 850.4850

Small 36 1021 1020.6 1020.59 1020.582 1020.5820

Medium 42 1191 1190.7 1190.68 1190.679 1190.6790

Large 48 1361 1360.8 1360.78 1360.776 1360.7760

Extra Large 54 1531 1530.9 1530.88 1530.873 1530.8730

Jumbo 60 1701 1701.0 1700.97 1700.970 1700.9700

Size 30 Egg Pack - Minimum Net. Weight 

Ounces/Pack Whole Grams Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten Thousandths 

Pee Wee 37.5 1064 1063.2 1063.11 1063.107 1063.1063

Small 45 1276 1275.8 1275.73 1275.728 1275.7275

Medium 52.5 1489 1488.4 1488.35 1488.349 1488.3488

Large 60 1701 1701.0 1700.97 1700.970 1700.9700

Extra Large 67.5 1914 1913.6 1913.60 1913.592 1913.5913

Jumbo 75 2127 2126.3 2126.22 2126.213 2126.2125

Size 36 Egg Pack - Minimum Net. Weight 

Ounces/Pack Whole Grams Tenths Hundreths Thousandths Ten Thousandths 

Pee Wee 45 1276 1275.8 1275.73 1275.728 1275.7275

Small 54 1531 1530.9 1530.88 1530.873 1530.8730

Medium 63 1787 1786.1 1786.02 1786.019 1786.0185

Large 72 2042 2041.2 2041.17 2041.164 2041.1640

Extra Large 81 2297 2296.4 2296.31 2296.310 2296.3095

Jumbo 90 2552 2551.5 2551.46 2551.455 2551.4550

Page 84
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 707 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250

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QAD 707: STATIONARY LOT GRADING PROCEDURES

707.1 General

United States consumer grade standards apply to individual eggs. Grades are based on the percentages 

of egg qualities found in a “lot”. A “lot” is defined as two or more eggs, but in most cases, graders deal

with multiple case (30 dozen) lots for grade assignment.

For stationary lot grading, average product quality of a lot is determined on the basis of official 

representative samples selected from the completed lot offered by the applicant. There is no provision 

for improving the average quality of the lot since it was completed before the samples were taken.

Consequently, if the samples show that individual case or average tolerance requirements are exceeded

for any factor, the entire lot is unacceptable.

707.2 Lot Identification

Identify and count the cases in the lot prior to selecting the samples. Record the total number of cases on 

the memorandum (LP-211). A lot may be identified by its physical location, with a grade or lot number 

stamp, or other methods that will maintain the identity of the lot.

Prior to sampling any stationary lot of shell eggs, the USDA, AMS grader (grader) must:

A. Determine how product is packed; i.e., in full-cases, half-cases, baskets, etc.

B. Determine the number of pallets, rows, racks, etc., and how product is stacked (e.g., thirty / 30-

dozen cases per pallet, stacked 5-layers high with 6-cases per layer).

C. Verify the total number of containers and convert to the 30-dozen equivalent (to determine

number of samples needed).

D. Number each pallet, row, etc., in a logical sequence, according to how product is arranged in

the cooler or elsewhere. If the lot contains a partial pallet, row, or rack always number it last.

E. Determine the number of samples required as listed in 707.3 [7 CFR 56.4(b)].

707.3 Size of Sample

When eggs are graded on a representative sample basis, the number of samples selected must not be 

less than the minimum number of cases shown below. When eggs are packed in containers other than 

30-dozen cases, the lot must be converted to an equivalent number of 30-dozen cases, rounded up to the

next whole number, and sampled accordingly.

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QAD 707 Procedure 

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 30-Dozen

 Cases in Lot Cases in Sample

Less than 50 eggs ....................................... . All eggs 

50 - 359 eggs .......................................... . 50 eggs 

 1 case ................................................... . 1 case

 2 - 10 Inclusive ....................................... ... 2 cases 

 11 - 25 “ ............................................. 3 cases 

 26 - 50 “ ............................................. 4 cases 

 51 - 100 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 cases 

 101 - 200 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 cases 

 201 - 300 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 cases 

 301 - 400 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 13 cases 

 401 - 500 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 14 cases 

 501 - 600 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 16 cases 

 601 - 650 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 17 cases

 651 - 700 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 18 cases 

 701 - 750 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 19 cases 

 751 - 800 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 cases 

 801 - 850 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 21 cases

 851 - 900 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 22 cases

 901 - 950 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23 cases

 951 - 1,000 “ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 24 cases

For each additional 50 cases or fraction thereof in excess of 1,000 cases, add 1 case. 

707.4 Random Sample Selection – Stationary Lot Grading

All graders must have a reliable means of generating random numbers for selecting samples. 

Acceptable methods may include: calculators capable of generating random numbers, computer 

software (i.e. Excel), apps approved for official GOV electronic devices, or websites that generate 

random numbers. Supervisors must review and approve the methods used. The following websites are 

examples of acceptable random number generators:

• www.random.org

• www.randomnumbergenerator.com

• www.andrew.hedges.name/experiments/random

Before completing the sample selection worksheet, the total number of containers will be organized 

according to procedures in Section 707.2. The grader must generate enough random numbers to select 

the required number of samples. The random numbers generated correspond to the designated sample 

containers. The sample selection worksheets will assist in identifying the designated samples from the 

lot.

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QAD 707 Procedure 

June 6, 2022

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707.5 Completion of Sample Selection Worksheet

Included in QAD 707 are Sample Selection Worksheets (see Exhibits I – XIX). These worksheets, 

which differ as to the container size and how containers are stacked, are designed to accommodate

nearly all stationary lot grading situations. The worksheets are to be photocopied as needed for use in 

scheduled plants or unscheduled grading locations. Select the applicable worksheet for the lot to be

sampled and fill in the “Lot Information” data at the top. 

A separate “Sample Selection Worksheet” must be completed for each lot to be graded. Stationary lots 

may be presented for grading on different sized pallets, or on racks (bossies), or stacked in rows. 

Product may be packaged in various sized consumer containers or may be loose in filler flats.

707.6 Selecting the Sample

The applicant must present a lot of eggs for grading so that the entire lot is readily accessible for 

sampling. All samples are to be personally selected by the grader; however, warehouse or plant 

employees may aid in the physical drawing of the selected cases. At the time of selection, each sample

is to be numbered and initialed to maintain sample integrity. Additionally, the grader is to number the 

pallet, rack, or bossy to enable the grader and management to accurately locate applicable product when 

a non-complying sample is found. Samples are to be taped and when applicable, stamped with official 

identification promptly after grading.

707.7 Identifying Designated Samples

707.7a Product on Pallets

Example #1

Forklift Openings = ^ ^ ^ 

Each container in the lot is mentally assigned a number, beginning with the bottom left corner of pallet 

number 1 (Example #1). There are 4 pallets of 30 containers (a total of 120 containers), stacked 5 

layers high, with 6 containers, per layer. On pallet number 1, the bottom (first) layer is assigned 

numbers 1 through 6, the second layer would be 7 through 12, the third layer would be 13 through 18, 

the fourth layer would be 19 through 24, and the fifth (top) layer would be 25 through 30. Pallet 

number 2 would be numbered 31 through 60, using the same sequence. Pallet number 3 would be 

numbered 61 through 90, and pallet number 4 would be numbered 91 through 120. 

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QAD 707 Procedure 

June 6, 2022

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The grid chart on each worksheet provides a method of identifying and locating the position of every 

container in the lot. On worksheets 1 through 10, the grid charts are divided into vertical columns and 

horizontal lines of numbers. The first vertical column of numbers on the left and the last vertical 

column of numbers on the right identify the pallet number. Vertical lines identify and separate the 

individual layers on a pallet, from layer 1 through 5 or 6, as applicable (left to right across the chart). 

Reading horizontally across the chart, the “container position” is shown directly under “layer number.” 

This identifies the position of each container on the applicable layer. The next horizontal line of 

numbers under “container position” identifies the containers on pallet number 1. The next line

identifies the containers on pallet number 2, etc. Circle the previously identified, designated sample

container numbers on the applicable worksheet grid chart. The chart can then be used to locate the

indicated samples.

NOTE: On some worksheets, the grid charts only reflect even number containers. Therefore, when an 

odd number sample is selected, mark an “X” between the applicable even numbers on the chart 

(Example #2). 

 Example #2 

CONTAINER 

POSITION 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12

CONTAINER 

POSITION

P 1

A 2

L 3

L 4

E 5

T

6

N 7

U 8

M 9

B 10

E

R 11

12

13

14

15

2 4 6 8 10 12

50 52 54 56 58 60

98 100 102 104 106 108

146 148 150 152 154 156

194 196 198 200 202 204

242 244 246 248 250 252

290 292 294 296 298 300

338 340 342 344 346 348

386 388 390 392 394 396

434 436 438 440 442 444

482 484 486 488 490 492

530 532 534 536 538 540

578 580 582 584 586 588

626 628 630 632 634 636

674 676 678 680 682 684

14 16 18 20 22 24

62 64 66 68 70 72

110 112 114 116 118 120

158 160 162 164 166 168

206 208 210 212 214 216

254 256 258 260 262 264

302 304 306 308 310 312

350 352 354 356 358 360

398 400 402 404 406 408

446 448 450 452 454 456

494 496 498 500 502 504

542 544 546 548 550 552

590 592 594 596 598 600

638 640 642 644 646 648

686 688 690 692 694 696

26 28 30 32 34 36

74 76 78 80 82 84

122 124 126 128 130 132

170 172 174 176 178 180

218 220 222 224 226 228

266 268 270 272 274 276

314 316 318 320 322 324

362 364 366 368 370 372

410 412 414 416 418 420

458 460 462 464 466 468

506 508 510 512 514 516

554 556 558 560 562 564

602 604 606 608 610 612

650 652 654 656 658 660

698 700 702 704 706 708

38 40 42 44 46 48

86 88 90 92 94 96

134 136 138 140 142 144

182 184 186 188 190 192

230 232 234 236 238 240

278 280 282 284 286 288

326 328 330 332 334 336

374 376 378 380 382 384

422 424 426 428 430 432

470 472 474 476 478 480

518 520 522 524 526 528

566 568 570 572 574 576

614 616 618 620 622 624

662 664 666 668 670 672

710 712 714 716 718 720

1 P

2 A 

3 L 

4 L 

5 E 

T 

6 

7 N 

8 U 

9 M 

10 B 

E 

11 R 

12

13

14

15

For each circled number (or “X” between numbers) on the grid chart, first determine the pallet number 

by following across the applicable horizontal line to the far left or far right vertical column. Then 

follow up each vertical column which has a circled number to identify the layer number and the 

container position within the layer (Example #3). 

• Container numbers 64, 25, 2, 39, and 98 are randomly identified as samples.

• Container #64 is located on pallet #3, layer #1, and position #4. 

• Container #25 is located on pallet #1, layer #5, and position #1. 

• Container #2 is located on pallet #1, layer #1, and position #2. 

• Container #39 is located on pallet #2, layer #2, and position #3.

• Container #98 is located on pallet #4, layer #2, and position #2.

Page 88
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June 6, 2022

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 Example #3

The grader is to personally mark the applicable sample containers, as identified on the worksheet grid, 

by locating: 

- The applicable pallet, as previously numbered (mentally or otherwise). 

- The applicable layer on the designated pallet. In all instances, the bottom layer will be 

number 1; the second layer up from the bottom will be number 2, etc. 

Example #4 - Pallet Layers (Forklift Openings = ^^^)

Locate the applicable container within the designated layer. When mentally numbering containers, 

always face (or count as if facing) toward the forklift openings in the pallet. Begin on the left with 

number 1, and number counterclockwise around the layer (Example #4). For chimney stacking, layer 

#2 will sit on layer #1 (or vice-versa) and this layering will alternate up to 6 or 7 layers high. 

Example #5 shows a completed worksheet for 30-dozen cases on pallets. Example #6 shows a

completed worksheet for 48 half-cases on pallets.

Page 89
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June 6, 2022

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Example #5 (SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET – 30 FULL CASES PER PALLET)

LOT INFORMATION SAMPLE CONTAINERS

SELECTED

1. 195 11. 101 

Grade & Size : AA Large 2. 413 12. 588 

3. 110 13._176_____ Type of pack : Loose 4. 4 14.__49_____ 5. 261 15. 546 

No./Size of Cases : 612/30 = 612/30-DOZ. 6. 304 16. 394 

7. 88 17._513_____ Samples Needed : 17_________________ 8. 243 18. 9. 58 19. 10. 2 20. _________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW.

LAYER NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 LAYER NUMBER

CONT. POSITION 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 CONT. POSITION

P 1

A 2

L 3

L 4

E 5

T

6

N 7

U 8

M 9

B 10

E

R 11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1 2 3 4 5 6

31 32 33 34 35 36

61 62 63 64 65 66

91 92 93 94 95 96

121 122 123 124 125 126

151 152 153 154 155 156

181 182 183 184 185 186

211 212 213 214 215 216

241 242 243 244 245 246

271 272 273 274 275 276

301 302 303 304 305 306

331 332 333 334 335 336

361 362 363 364 365 366

391 392 393 394 395 396

421 422 423 424 425 426

451 452 453 454 455 456

481 482 483 484 485 486

511 512 513 514 515 516

541 542 543 544 545 546

571 572 573 574 575 576

601 602 603 604 605 606

631 632 633 634 635 636

661 662 663 664 665 666

691 692 693 694 695 696

721 722 723 724 725 726

751 752 753 754 755 756

781 782 783 784 785 786

811 812 813 814 815 816

841 842 843 844 845 846

871 872 873 874 875 876

7 8 9 10 11 12

37 38 39 40 41 42

67 68 69 70 71 72

97 98 99 100 101 102

127 128 129 130 131 132

157 158 159 160 161 162

187 188 189 190 191 192

217 218 219 220 221 222

247 248 249 250 251 252

277 278 279 280 281 282

307 308 309 310 311 312

337 338 339 340 341 342

367 368 369 370 371 372

397 398 399 400 401 402

427 428 429 430 431 432

457 458 459 460 461 462

487 488 489 490 491 492

517 518 519 520 521 522

547 548 549 550 551 552

577 578 579 580 581 582

607 608 609 610 611 612

637 638 639 640 641 642

667 668 669 670 671 672

697 698 699 700 701 702

727 728 729 730 731 732

757 758 759 760 761 762

787 788 789 790 791 792

817 818 819 820 821 822

847 848 849 850 851 852

877 878 879 880 881 882

13 14 15 16 17 18

43 44 45 46 47 48

73 74 75 76 77 78

103 104 105 106 107 108

133 134 135 136 137 138

163 164 165 166 167 168

193 194 195 196 197 198

223 224 225 226 227 228

253 254 255 256 257 258

283 284 285 286 287 288

313 314 315 316 317 318

343 344 345 346 347 348

373 374 375 376 377 378

403 404 405 406 407 408

433 434 435 436 437 438

463 464 465 466 467 468

493 494 495 496 497 498

523 524 525 526 527 528

553 554 555 556 557 558

583 584 585 586 587 588

613 614 615 616 617 618

643 644 645 646 647 648

673 674 675 676 677 678

703 704 705 706 707 708

733 734 735 736 737 738

763 764 765 766 767 768

793 794 795 796 797 798

823 824 825 826 827 828

853 854 855 856 857 858

883 884 885 886 887 888

19 20 21 22 23 24

49 50 51 52 53 54

79 80 81 82 83 84

109 110 111 112 113 114

139 140 141 142 143 144

169 170 171 172 173 174

199 200 201 202 203 204

229 230 231 232 233 234

259 260 261 262 263 264

289 290 291 292 293 294

319 320 321 322 323 324

349 350 351 352 353 354

379 380 381 382 383 384

409 410 411 412 413 414

439 440 441 442 443 444

469 470 471 472 473 474

499 500 501 502 503 504

529 530 531 532 533 534

559 560 561 562 563 564

589 590 591 592 593 594

619 620 621 622 623 624

649 650 651 652 653 654

679 680 681 682 683 684

709 710 711 712 713 714

739 740 741 742 743 744

769 770 771 772 773 774

799 800 801 802 803 804

829 830 831 832 833 834

859 860 861 862 863 864

889 890 891 892 893 894

25 26 27 28 29 30

55 56 57 58 59 60

85 86 87 88 89 90

115 116 117 118 119 120

145 146 147 148 149 150

175 176 177 178 179 180

205 206 207 208 209 210

235 236 237 238 239 240

265 266 267 268 269 270

295 296 297 298 299 300

325 326 327 328 329 330

355 356 357 358 359 360

385 386 387 388 389 390

415 416 417 418 419 420

445 446 447 448 449 450

475 476 477 478 479 480

505 506 507 508 509 510

535 536 537 538 539 540

565 566 567 568 569 570

595 596 597 598 599 600

625 626 627 628 629 630

655 656 657 658 659 660

685 686 687 688 689 690

715 716 717 718 719 720

745 746 747 748 749 750

775 776 777 778 779 780

805 806 807 808 809 810

835 836 837 838 839 840

865 866 867 868 869 870

895 896 897 898 899 900

1 P

2 A

3 L

4 L

5 E 

T

6

7 N

8 U

9 M

10 B 

E

11 R

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

REMARKS: 

GRADER’S SIGNATURE DATE 

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Example #6 (SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET – 48 HALF CASES PER PALLET)

LOT INFORMATION SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

 1. 728 11. 736 

Grade & Size : A Medium 2. 321 12. 161 

 3. 524 13. 230 

Type of pack : 1 dz ctns (brand) 4. 260 14. 

 5. 525 15. 

No./Size of Cases : 736/15 = 368/30-DOZ. 6. 79 16. 

 7. 167 17. 

Samples Needed : 13 8. 294 18. 

 9. 261 19. 

 10. 391 20. 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW.

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE_________________________________DATE____________ 

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707.7b Product on Racks (“Bossies”)

Example #7 

18 17 16 36 35 34 54 53 52 72 71 70 90 89 88 108 107 106 126 125 124 144 143 142

13 14 15 31 32 33 49 50 51 67 68 69 85 86 87 103 104 105 121 122 123 139 140 141

12 11 10 30 29 28 48 47 46 66 65 64 84 83 82 102 101 100 120 119 118 138 137 136

7 8 9 25 26 27 43 44 45 61 62 63 79 80 81 97 98 99 115 116 117 133 134 135

6 5 4 24 23 22 42 41 40 60 59 58 78 77 76 96 95 94 114 113 112 132 131 130

1 2 3 19 20 21 37 38 39 55 56 57 73 74 75 91 92 93 109 110 111 127 128 129

162 161 160 180 179 178 198 197 196 216 215 214 234 233 232 252 251 250 270 269 268 288 287 286

157 158 159 175 176 177 193 194 195 211 212 213 229 230 231 247 248 249 265 266 267 283 284 285

156 155 154 174 173 172 192 191 190 210 209 208 228 227 226 246 245 244 264 263 262 282 281 280

151 152 153 169 170 171 187 188 189 205 206 207 223 224 225 241 242 243 259 260 261 277 278 279

150 149 148 168 167 166 186 185 184 204 203 202 222 221 220 240 239 238 258 257 256 276 275 274

145 146 147 163 164 165 181 182 183 199 200 201 217 218 219 235 236 237 253 254 255 271 272 273

RACK #9 RACK #10 RACK #11 RACK #12 RACK #13 RACK #14 RACK #15 RACK #16

RACK #1 RACK #2 RACK #3 RACK #4 RACK#5 RACK #6 RACK #7 RACK #8

Worksheet #11 is designed for product which is stacked on movable racks or bossies. The total amount 

of product in the lot must be converted into equivalent 30-dozen cases to determine the number of 

samples. The lot must also be broken down into “imaginary half cases” on the worksheet to determine

which cartons or flats will be sampled. Each imaginary half case may contain from 15 to 21-dozen, 

depending on how high product is stacked on the shelves (see Example #7). 

3,600/1-dozen cartons (equivalent to 120/30-dozen cases) are stacked on 10 racks, with 3 shelves each. 

The bottom 2 shelves are stacked 7 high, 2 deep, 9 across, which equals 126-dozen on each shelf. The

top shelf is stacked 6 high, 2 deep, 9 across, which equals 108-dozen. 

Each shelf is to be mentally divided into six imaginary half cases. In this example, the imaginary half

cases on the bottom shelves will contain 21-dozen (three/7-carton stacks), while the half cases on the

top shelf will contain 18-dozen (three/6-carton stacks). When facing the front of the rack, begin on the 

left front of the bottom shelf with #1, and proceed counterclockwise across the front side and then to 

the backside, mentally numbering 6 half cases.

By following the same procedures, mentally number half cases 7 through 12 on the second shelf, and 

13 through 18 on the top shelf. Repeating this procedure for racks 2 through 10 will result in a total of 

180 half-cases being identified. The “180” is the “total number of containers” which would be entered 

into the random number generator. Eight numbers are then generated, which will be the samples. 

Circle these numbers on the worksheet, to locate the appropriate rack number and shelf number. 

707.7c Sampling Partial Pallets or “Racks”

Worksheet #15 is designed for sampling partial pallets or racks, as applicable. There are eight grids for 

pallets, with “full” cases. Half cases may also be accommodated by diagonally dividing each box. 

There are also 8 grids for racks, with space for up to 18 “imaginary” half-cases on each rack. Using

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one grid for each partial pallet or rack, number the boxes, beginning on the bottom left, to correspond 

to the number of containers on the pallet or rack (Example #9). 

Example #9 – Sample Selection Worksheet #15 

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE DATE

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707.8 Consolidated Lot Grading

Except for lots to be identified as USDA “sample graded,” product offered for consolidated lot 

gradings must be produced under continuous supervision as evidenced by identification with either the 

U.S. Grade AA, A, or B stamp or USDA lot number stamp applied to each case in the lot.

A. Military orders with different Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) contract numbers may 

be consolidated into one lot. 

B. Lots must be consolidated by the same grade and size. 

C. When grading percentages are required on the certificate, as is the case for all lot grading 

certificates, show the consolidated lot percentages on each certificate issued as explained in 

710.2b item 11. Percentages. 

D. Base the sample size selected on the total cases in the consolidated lot instead of the number 

of cases comprising each sublot delivery. In the “Number of Samples” entry on the 

certificate, place an asterisk and insert the following statement in the “Remarks” section: 

“Consolidated lot grading.” 

E. Product of the same grade and size packed in different size containers and/or types of 

packaging material may be presented for grading as one stationary lot. For example: 100/30-

dozen cases of A Large cartoned eggs and 200/15-dozen cases of A Large loose eggs are 

offered as one lot. In this situation, the “consolidated” lot equaling 200/30-dozen cases is the

sampling unit. The lot may be sampled on this basis; however, it may be necessary to use 

separate worksheets to record the different sized containers and types of packing material and 

to designate the samples.

Completed Sample Selection Worksheets are to be attached to the applicable Form LP-211: Poultry 

Products Grading Memorandum. 

707.9 Eggs Not Processed Under USDA Supervision

When eggs of current production that were not processed under USDA supervision are presented to the 

grader for official grading and identification with a consumer grade mark, the eggs must be 

reprocessed (washed, rinsed, sanitized, graded, and sized) in accordance with the regulations to be 

eligible for official identification and a new production code. If management elects not to reprocess 

the eggs, the lot would not be eligible for a new production code but, could still be graded and 

identified with the “Sample Grade” stamp.

707.10 Eggs Processed Under USDA Supervision

When eggs of current production that were previously processed and graded under USDA supervision 

are presented to the grader for repackaging into official consumer grade packages, the eggs must be 

reprocessed (washed, rinsed, sanitized, graded, and sized) to be eligible for a new production code. 

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707.11 Identifying Lots of Improperly Labeled Eggs

Cases offered for lot grading that are marked with grades AA, A, or B are not to be officially 

identified unless they are of the same or better quality of the consumer grade indicated by the letter as 

determined by an official grading. All previous official grademarks, whether stamps or labels, are to 

be removed before new official grademarks are applied to the cases. The same policy applies to grade

markings on consumer containers within the master container. 

If an official identification is desired and each case in the lot has not been properly stamped or tagged 

with a storage lot number (identified), it will be necessary to retain the product if not corrected prior to 

leaving the premises. Essentially, the lot has to be segregated and identified in the absence of USDA 

so that cases cannot be added or removed.

707.12 Reworking a Stationary Lot of Eggs 

It is an applicant’s privilege to rework a lot either by removing undergrade eggs through individual 

case inspections (daylight segregation) or eliminating certain sublots. The grader is to verify that plant 

management has modified or segregated the eggs prior to authorizing a re-examination. When the 

applicant changes the character of a lot in this manner and requests another grading, a representative

sample must be selected, and a grading made of the “new” lot. Removing random or single cases is not 

sufficient to be considered modifying the lot. If a lot fails re-examination, the entire lot must be 

reworked before offering for another lot grade.

The reworking of product previously graded according to the online sampling plan is outlined in QAD 

708. 

707.13 Previously Graded Product Received and Held in Official Plant

Officially identified shell eggs received and held in an official plant are subject to rechecking to 

determine their quality. If requested to check product received and held in an official plant, the grader 

should contact their supervisor to receive guidance about extent of the lot, what is to be checked, and 

any retentions. 

Page 95
 

EXHIBIT I

Worksheet #1 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET 

15 FULL CASES PER “DOLLY” 

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED 

1.__________ 11.__________

Grade & Size :________________________ 2.__________ 12.__________

3.__________ 13.__________

Type of pack :________________________ 4.__________ 14.__________

5.__________ 15.__________

No./Size of Cases :____________=____/30-DOZ. 6.__________ 16.__________

7.__________ 17.__________

Samples Needed :________________________ 8.__________ 18.__________

9.__________ 19.__________

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

LOT INFORMATION 

LAYER NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 LAYER NUMBER 

CONTAINER POSITION 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 CONTAINER POSITION 

D 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1 D 

O 2 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2 O 

L 3 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 3 L 

L 4 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 4 L 

Y 5 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 5 Y 

N 6 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 6 N 

U 7 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 7 U 

M 8 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 8 M 

B 9 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 9 B 

E 10 

R 

136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 10 E 

R 

11 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 11 

12 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 12 

13 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 13 

14 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 14 

15 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 15 

16 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 16 

17 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 17 

18 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 18 

19 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 19 

20 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 20 

21 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 21 

22 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 22 

23 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 23 

24 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 24 

25 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 25 

26 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 26 

27 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 27 

28 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 28 

29 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 29 

30 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 30 

31 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 31 

32 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 32 

33 481 482 483 484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 33 

34 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508 509 510 34 

35 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 35 

36 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 36 

37 541 542 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552 553 554 555 37 

38 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 38 

39 571 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 39 

40 586 587 588 589 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 40 

41 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 615 41 

42 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 42 

43 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 640 641 642 643 644 645 43 

44 646 647 648 649 650 651 652 653 654 655 656 657 658 659 660 44 

45 661 662 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 673 674 675 45 

46 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 685 686 687 688 689 690 46 

47 691 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 47 

48 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 48 

49 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730 731 732 733 734 735 49 

50 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 744 745 746 747 748 749 750 50 

REMARKS: 

GRADER’S SIGNATURE_______________________________________________DATE____________________ 

Page 96
Worksheet #2 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

24 FULL CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

P 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 P

A 2 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 2 A

L 3 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 3 L

L 4 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 4 L

E 5 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 5 E

T T

6 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 6

N 7 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 7 N

U 8 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 8 U

M 9 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 9 M

B 10 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 10 B

E E

R 11 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 11 R

12 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 12

13 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 13

14 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 14

15 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 15

16 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 16

17 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 17

18 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 18

19 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453 454 455 456 19

20 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 20

21 481 482 483 484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504 21

22 505 506 507 508 509 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 22

23 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 541 542 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552 23

24 553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 574 575 576 24

25 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 586 587 588 589 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 25

26 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 615 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624 26

27 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 640 641 642 643 644 645 646 647 648 27

28 649 650 651 652 653 654 655 656 657 658 659 660 661 662 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 28

29 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 685 686 687 688 689 690 691 692 693 694 695 696 29

30 697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 30

LAYER # 3

CONT. POS.

LAYER #

CONT. POS.

1 2 4

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

EXHIBIT II

Page 97
EXHIBIT III

Worksheet #3 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

30 FULL CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

P 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 P

A 2 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 2 A

L 3 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 3 L

L 4 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 4 L

E 5 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 5 E

T T

6 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 6

N 7 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 7 N

U 8 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 8 U

M 9 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 9 M

B 10 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 10 B

E E

R 11 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 11 R

12 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 12

13 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 13

14 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 14

15 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 15

16 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 16

17 481 482 483 484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508 509 510 17

18 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 18

19 541 542 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552 553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 19

20 571 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 586 587 588 589 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 20

21 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 615 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 21

22 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 640 641 642 643 644 645 646 647 648 649 650 651 652 653 654 655 656 657 658 659 660 22

23 661 662 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 685 686 687 688 689 690 23

24 691 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 24

25 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730 731 732 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 744 745 746 747 748 749 750 25

26 751 752 753 754 755 756 757 758 759 760 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 768 769 770 771 772 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 780 26

27 781 782 783 784 785 786 787 788 789 790 791 792 793 794 795 796 797 798 799 800 801 802 803 804 805 806 807 808 809 810 27

28 811 812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821 822 823 824 825 826 827 828 829 830 831 832 833 834 835 836 837 838 839 840 28

29 841 842 843 844 845 846 847 848 849 850 851 852 853 854 855 856 857 858 859 860 861 862 863 864 865 866 867 868 869 870 29

30 871 872 873 874 875 876 877 878 879 880 881 882 883 884 885 886 887 888 889 890 891 892 893 894 895 896 897 898 899 900 30

LAYER #

CONT. POS.

LAYER #

CONT. POS.

1 2 3 4 5

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 98
EXHIBIT IV

Worksheet #4 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

36 FULL CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

P 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 1 P

A 2 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 2 A

L 3 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 3 L

L 4 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 4 L

E 5 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 5 E

T T

6 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 6

N 7 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 7 N

U 8 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 8 U

M 9 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 9 M

B 10 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 10 B

E E

R 11 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 11 R

12 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 12

13 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 13

14 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482 483 484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504 14

15 505 506 507 508 509 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 15

16 541 542 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552 553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 574 575 576 16

17 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 586 587 588 589 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 17

18 613 614 615 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 640 641 642 643 644 645 646 647 648 18

19 649 650 651 652 653 654 655 656 657 658 659 660 661 662 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 19

20 685 686 687 688 689 690 691 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 20

21 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730 731 732 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 744 745 746 747 748 749 750 751 752 753 754 755 756 21

22 757 758 759 760 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 768 769 770 771 772 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 780 781 782 783 784 785 786 787 788 789 790 791 792 22

23 793 794 795 796 797 798 799 800 801 802 803 804 805 806 807 808 809 810 811 812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821 822 823 824 825 826 827 828 23

24 829 830 831 832 833 834 835 836 837 838 839 840 841 842 843 844 845 846 847 848 849 850 851 852 853 854 855 856 857 858 859 860 861 862 863 864 24

25 865 866 867 868 869 870 871 872 873 874 875 876 877 878 879 880 881 882 883 884 885 886 887 888 889 890 891 892 893 894 895 896 897 898 899 900 25

26 901 902 903 904 905 906 907 908 909 910 911 912 913 914 915 916 917 918 919 920 921 922 923 924 925 926 927 928 929 930 931 932 933 934 935 936 26

27 937 938 939 940 941 942 943 944 945 946 947 948 949 950 951 952 953 954 955 956 957 958 959 960 961 962 963 964 965 966 967 968 969 970 971 972 27

28 973 974 975 976 977 978 979 980 981 982 983 984 985 986 987 988 989 990 991 992 993 994 995 996 997 998 999 1000 1001 1002 1003 1004 1005 1006 1007 1008 28

29 1009 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 1016 1017 1018 1019 1020 1021 1022 1023 1024 1025 1026 1027 1028 1029 1030 1031 1032 1033 1034 1035 1036 1037 1038 1039 1040 1041 1042 1043 1044 29

30 1045 1046 1047 1048 1049 1050 1051 1052 1053 1054 1055 1056 1057 1058 1059 1060 1061 1062 1063 1064 1065 1066 1067 1068 1069 1070 1071 1072 1073 1074 1075 1076 1077 1078 1079 1080 30

LAYER NO.

CONT. POS.

LAYER NO.

CONT. POS.

1 2 3 4 5 6

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 99
EXHIBIT V

Worksheet #5 

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

42 FULL CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

2 4 6 2 4 6 2 4 6 2 4 6 2 4 6 2 4 6 2 4 6

P 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 1 P

A 2 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 2 A

L 3 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 3 L

L 4 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144 146 148 150 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 4 L

E 5 170 172 174 176 178 180 182 184 186 188 190 192 194 196 198 200 202 204 206 208 210 5 E

T T

6 212 214 216 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 236 238 240 242 244 246 248 250 252 6

N 7 254 256 258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 274 276 278 280 282 284 286 288 290 292 294 7 N

U 8 296 298 300 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 336 8 U

M 9 338 340 342 344 346 348 350 352 354 356 358 360 362 364 366 368 370 372 374 376 378 9 M

B 10 380 382 384 386 388 390 392 394 396 398 400 402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 10 B

E E

R 11 422 424 426 428 430 432 434 436 438 440 442 444 446 448 450 452 454 456 458 460 462 11 R

12 464 466 468 470 472 474 476 478 480 482 484 486 488 490 492 494 496 498 500 502 504 12

13 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 520 522 524 526 528 530 532 534 536 538 540 542 544 546 13

14 548 550 552 554 556 558 560 562 564 566 568 570 572 574 576 578 580 582 584 586 588 14

15 590 592 594 596 598 600 602 604 606 608 610 612 614 616 618 620 622 624 626 628 630 15

16 632 634 636 638 640 642 644 646 648 650 652 654 656 658 660 662 664 666 668 670 672 16

17 674 676 678 680 682 684 686 688 690 692 694 696 698 700 702 704 706 708 710 712 714 17

18 716 718 720 722 724 726 728 730 732 734 736 738 740 742 744 746 748 750 752 754 756 18

19 758 760 762 764 766 768 770 772 774 776 778 780 782 784 786 788 790 792 794 796 798 19

20 800 802 804 806 808 810 812 814 816 818 820 822 824 826 828 830 832 834 836 838 840 20

21 842 844 846 848 850 852 854 856 858 860 862 864 866 868 870 872 874 876 878 880 882 21

22 884 886 888 890 892 894 896 898 900 902 904 906 908 910 912 914 916 918 920 922 924 22

23 926 928 930 932 934 936 938 940 942 944 946 948 950 952 954 956 958 960 962 964 966 23

24 968 970 972 974 976 978 980 982 984 986 988 990 992 994 996 998 1000 1002 1004 1006 1008 24

25 1010 1012 1014 1016 1018 1020 1022 1024 1026 1028 1030 1032 1034 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 1046 1048 1050 25

26 1052 1054 1056 1058 1060 1062 1064 1066 1068 1070 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080 1082 1084 1086 1088 1090 1092 26

27 1094 1096 1098 1100 1102 1104 1106 1108 1110 1112 1114 1116 1118 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134 27

28 1136 1138 1140 1142 1144 1146 1148 1150 1152 1154 1156 1158 1160 1162 1164 1166 1168 1170 1172 1174 1176 28

29 1178 1180 1182 1184 1186 1188 1190 1192 1194 1196 1198 1200 1202 1204 1206 1208 1210 1212 1214 1216 1218 29

30 1220 1222 1224 1226 1228 1230 1232 1234 1236 1238 1240 1242 1244 1246 1248 1250 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 30

LAYER NUMBER

CONT. POS.

LAYER NUMBER 3 4 5 6 7

CONT. POS.

1 2

REMARKS:

Page 100
EXHIBIT VI

Worksheet #6 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

36 HALF CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12

P 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 1 P

A 2 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 2 A

L 3 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 3 L

L 4 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144 4 L

E 5 146 148 150 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180 5 E

T T

6 182 184 186 188 190 192 194 196 198 200 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 6

N 7 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 236 238 240 242 244 246 248 250 252 7 N

U 8 254 256 258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 274 276 278 280 282 284 286 288 8 U

M 9 290 292 294 296 298 300 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 9 M

B 10 326 328 330 332 334 336 338 340 342 344 346 348 350 352 354 356 358 360 10 B

E E

R 11 362 364 366 368 370 372 374 376 378 380 382 384 386 388 390 392 394 396 11 R

12 398 400 402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 422 424 426 428 430 432 12

13 434 436 438 440 442 444 446 448 450 452 454 456 458 460 462 464 466 468 13

14 470 472 474 476 478 480 482 484 486 488 490 492 494 496 498 500 502 504 14

15 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 520 522 524 526 528 530 532 534 536 538 540 15

16 542 544 546 548 550 552 554 556 558 560 562 564 566 568 570 572 574 576 16

17 578 580 582 584 586 588 590 592 594 596 598 600 602 604 606 608 610 612 17

18 614 616 618 620 622 624 626 628 630 632 634 636 638 640 642 644 646 648 18

19 650 652 654 656 658 660 662 664 666 668 670 672 674 676 678 680 682 684 19

20 686 688 690 692 694 696 698 700 702 704 706 708 710 712 714 716 718 720 20

21 722 724 726 728 730 732 734 736 738 740 742 744 746 748 750 752 754 756 21

22 758 760 762 764 766 768 770 772 774 776 778 780 782 784 786 788 790 792 22

23 794 796 798 800 802 804 806 808 810 812 814 816 818 820 822 824 826 828 23

24 830 832 834 836 838 840 842 844 846 848 850 852 854 856 858 860 862 864 24

25 866 868 870 872 874 876 878 880 882 884 886 888 890 892 894 896 898 900 25

26 902 904 906 908 910 912 914 916 918 920 922 924 926 928 930 932 934 936 26

27 938 940 942 944 946 948 950 952 954 956 958 960 962 964 966 968 970 972 27

28 974 976 978 980 982 984 986 988 990 992 994 996 998 1000 1002 1004 1006 1008 28

29 1010 1012 1014 1016 1018 1020 1022 1024 1026 1028 1030 1032 1034 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 29

30 1046 1048 1050 1052 1054 1056 1058 1060 1062 1064 1066 1068 1070 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080 30

LAYER NUMBER 3

CONTAINER POSITION

LAYER NUMBER

CONTAINER POSITION

1 2

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 101
EXHIBIT VII

Worksheet #7 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

48 HALF CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12

P 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 1 P

A 2 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 2 A

L 3 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144 3 L

L 4 146 148 150 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180 182 184 186 188 190 192 4 L

E 5 194 196 198 200 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 236 238 240 5 E

T T

6 242 244 246 248 250 252 254 256 258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 274 276 278 280 282 284 286 288 6

N 7 290 292 294 296 298 300 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 336 7 N

U 8 338 340 342 344 346 348 350 352 354 356 358 360 362 364 366 368 370 372 374 376 378 380 382 384 8 U

M 9 386 388 390 392 394 396 398 400 402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 422 424 426 428 430 432 9 M

B 10 434 436 438 440 442 444 446 448 450 452 454 456 458 460 462 464 466 468 470 472 474 476 478 480 10 B

E E

R 11 482 484 486 488 490 492 494 496 498 500 502 504 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 520 522 524 526 528 11 R

12 530 532 534 536 538 540 542 544 546 548 550 552 554 556 558 560 562 564 566 568 570 572 574 576 12

13 578 580 582 584 586 588 590 592 594 596 598 600 602 604 606 608 610 612 614 616 618 620 622 624 13

14 626 628 630 632 634 636 638 640 642 644 646 648 650 652 654 656 658 660 662 664 666 668 670 672 14

15 674 676 678 680 682 684 686 688 690 692 694 696 698 700 702 704 706 708 710 712 714 716 718 720 15

16 722 724 726 728 730 732 734 736 738 740 742 744 746 748 750 752 754 756 758 760 762 764 766 768 16

17 770 772 774 776 778 780 782 784 786 788 790 792 794 796 798 800 802 804 806 808 810 812 814 816 17

18 818 820 822 824 826 828 830 832 834 836 838 840 842 844 846 848 850 852 854 856 858 860 862 864 18

19 866 868 870 872 874 876 878 880 882 884 886 888 890 892 894 896 898 900 902 904 906 908 910 912 19

20 914 916 918 920 922 924 926 928 930 932 934 936 938 940 942 944 946 948 950 952 954 956 958 960 20

21 962 964 966 968 970 972 974 976 978 980 982 984 986 988 990 992 994 996 998 1000 1002 1004 1006 1008 21

22 1010 1012 1014 1016 1018 1020 1022 1024 1026 1028 1030 1032 1034 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 1046 1048 1050 1052 1054 1056 22

23 1058 1060 1062 1064 1066 1068 1070 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080 1082 1084 1086 1088 1090 1092 1094 1096 1098 1100 1102 1104 23

24 1106 1108 1110 1112 1114 1116 1118 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134 1136 1138 1140 1142 1144 1146 1148 1150 1152 24

25 1154 1156 1158 1160 1162 1164 1166 1168 1170 1172 1174 1176 1178 1180 1182 1184 1186 1188 1190 1192 1194 1196 1198 1200 25

26 1202 1204 1206 1208 1210 1212 1214 1216 1218 1220 1222 1224 1226 1228 1230 1232 1234 1236 1238 1240 1242 1244 1246 1248 26

27 1250 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 1262 1264 1266 1268 1270 1272 1274 1276 1278 1280 1282 1284 1286 1288 1290 1292 1294 1296 27

28 1298 1300 1302 1304 1306 1308 1310 1312 1314 1316 1318 1320 1322 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1334 1336 1338 1340 1342 1344 28

29 1346 1348 1350 1352 1354 1356 1358 1360 1362 1364 1366 1368 1370 1372 1374 1376 1378 1380 1382 1384 1386 1388 1390 1392 29

30 1394 1396 1398 1400 1402 1404 1406 1408 1410 1412 1414 1416 1418 1420 1422 1424 1426 1428 1430 1432 1434 1436 1438 1440 30

LAYER NUMBER

CONT. POS.

LAYER NUMBER

CONT. POS.

1 2 3 4

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 102
EXHIBIT VIII

Worksheet #8 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

50 HALF CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

5

2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2

P 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 1 P

A 2 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 2 A

L 3 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144 146 148 150 3 L

L 4 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180 182 184 186 188 190 192 194 196 198 200 4 L

E 5 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 236 238 240 242 244 246 248 250 5 E

T T

6 252 254 256 258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 274 276 278 280 282 284 286 288 290 292 294 296 298 300 6

N 7 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 336 338 340 342 344 346 348 350 7 N

U 8 352 354 356 358 360 362 364 366 368 370 372 374 376 378 380 382 384 386 388 390 392 394 396 398 400 8 U

M 9 402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 422 424 426 428 430 432 434 436 438 440 442 444 446 448 450 9 M

B 10 452 454 456 458 460 462 464 466 468 470 472 474 476 478 480 482 484 486 488 490 492 494 496 498 500 10 B

E E

R 11 502 504 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 520 522 524 526 528 530 532 534 536 538 540 542 544 546 548 550 11 R

12 552 554 556 558 560 562 564 566 568 570 572 574 576 578 580 582 584 586 588 590 592 594 596 598 600 12

13 602 604 606 608 610 612 614 616 618 620 622 624 626 628 630 632 634 636 638 640 642 644 646 648 650 13

14 652 654 656 658 660 662 664 666 668 670 672 674 676 678 680 682 684 686 688 690 692 694 696 698 700 14

15 702 704 706 708 710 712 714 716 718 720 722 724 726 728 730 732 734 736 738 740 742 744 746 748 750 15

16 752 754 756 758 760 762 764 766 768 770 772 774 776 778 780 782 784 786 788 790 792 794 796 798 800 16

17 802 804 806 808 810 812 814 816 818 820 822 824 826 828 830 832 834 836 838 840 842 844 846 848 850 17

18 852 854 856 858 860 862 864 866 868 870 872 874 876 878 880 882 884 886 888 890 892 894 896 898 900 18

19 902 904 906 908 910 912 914 916 918 920 922 924 926 928 930 932 934 936 938 940 942 944 946 948 950 19

20 952 954 956 958 960 962 964 966 968 970 972 974 976 978 980 982 984 986 988 990 992 994 996 998 1000 20

21 1002 1004 1006 1008 1010 1012 1014 1016 1018 1020 1022 1024 1026 1028 1030 1032 1034 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 1046 1048 1050 21

22 1052 1054 1056 1058 1060 1062 1064 1066 1068 1070 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080 1082 1084 1086 1088 1090 1092 1094 1096 1098 1100 22

23 1102 1104 1106 1108 1110 1112 1114 1116 1118 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134 1136 1138 1140 1142 1144 1146 1148 1150 23

24 1152 1154 1156 1158 1160 1162 1164 1166 1168 1170 1172 1174 1176 1178 1180 1182 1184 1186 1188 1190 1192 1194 1196 1198 1200 24

25 1202 1204 1206 1208 1210 1212 1214 1216 1218 1220 1222 1224 1226 1228 1230 1232 1234 1236 1238 1240 1242 1244 1246 1248 1250 25

26 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 1262 1264 1266 1268 1270 1272 1274 1276 1278 1280 1282 1284 1286 1288 1290 1292 1294 1296 1298 1300 26

27 1302 1304 1306 1308 1310 1312 1314 1316 1318 1320 1322 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1334 1336 1338 1340 1342 1344 1346 1348 1350 27

28 1352 1354 1356 1358 1360 1362 1364 1366 1368 1370 1372 1374 1376 1378 1380 1382 1384 1386 1388 1390 1392 1394 1396 1398 1400 28

29 1402 1404 1406 1408 1410 1412 1414 1416 1418 1420 1422 1424 1426 1428 1430 1432 1434 1436 1438 1440 1442 1444 1446 1448 1450 29

30 1452 1454 1456 1458 1460 1462 1464 1466 1468 1470 1472 1474 1476 1478 1480 1482 1484 1486 1488 1490 1492 1494 1496 1498 1500 30

LAYER NO.

CONT. POS.

LAYER NO.

CONT. POS.

1 2 3 4

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 103
EXHIBIT IX

Worksheet #9 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

60 HALF CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12

P 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 1 P

A 2 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 2 A

L 3 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144 146 148 150 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180 3 L

L 4 182 184 186 188 190 192 194 196 198 200 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 236 238 240 4 L

E 5 242 244 246 248 250 252 254 256 258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 274 276 278 280 282 284 286 288 290 292 294 296 298 300 5 E

T T

6 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 336 338 340 342 344 346 348 350 352 354 356 358 360 6

N 7 362 364 366 368 370 372 374 376 378 380 382 384 386 388 390 392 394 396 398 400 402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 7 N

U 8 422 424 426 428 430 432 434 436 438 440 442 444 446 448 450 452 454 456 458 460 462 464 466 468 470 472 474 476 478 480 8 U

M 9 482 484 486 488 490 492 494 496 498 500 502 504 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 520 522 524 526 528 530 532 534 536 538 540 9 M

B 10 542 544 546 548 550 552 554 556 558 560 562 564 566 568 570 572 574 576 578 580 582 584 586 588 590 592 594 596 598 600 10 B

E E

R 11 602 604 606 608 610 612 614 616 618 620 622 624 626 628 630 632 634 636 638 640 642 644 646 648 650 652 654 656 658 660 11 R

12 662 664 666 668 670 672 674 676 678 680 682 684 686 688 690 692 694 696 698 700 702 704 706 708 710 712 714 716 718 720 12

13 722 724 726 728 730 732 734 736 738 740 742 744 746 748 750 752 754 756 758 760 762 764 766 768 770 772 774 776 778 780 13

14 782 784 786 788 790 792 794 796 798 800 802 804 806 808 810 812 814 816 818 820 822 824 826 828 830 832 834 836 838 840 14

15 842 844 846 848 850 852 854 856 858 860 862 864 866 868 870 872 874 876 878 880 882 884 886 888 890 892 894 896 898 900 15

16 902 904 906 908 910 912 914 916 918 920 922 924 926 928 930 932 934 936 938 940 942 944 946 948 950 952 954 956 958 960 16

17 962 964 966 968 970 972 974 976 978 980 982 984 986 988 990 992 994 996 998 1000 1002 1004 1006 1008 1010 1012 1014 1016 1018 1020 17

18 1022 1024 1026 1028 1030 1032 1034 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 1046 1048 1050 1052 1054 1056 1058 1060 1062 1064 1066 1068 1070 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080 18

19 1082 1084 1086 1088 1090 1092 1094 1096 1098 1100 1102 1104 1106 1108 1110 1112 1114 1116 1118 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134 1136 1138 1140 19

20 1142 1144 1146 1148 1150 1152 1154 1156 1158 1160 1162 1164 1166 1168 1170 1172 1174 1176 1178 1180 1182 1184 1186 1188 1190 1192 1194 1196 1198 1200 20

21 1202 1204 1206 1208 1210 1212 1214 1216 1218 1220 1222 1224 1226 1228 1230 1232 1234 1236 1238 1240 1242 1244 1246 1248 1250 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 21

22 1262 1264 1266 1268 1270 1272 1274 1276 1278 1280 1282 1284 1286 1288 1290 1292 1294 1296 1298 1300 1302 1304 1306 1308 1310 1312 1314 1316 1318 1320 22

23 1322 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1334 1336 1338 1340 1342 1344 1346 1348 1350 1352 1354 1356 1358 1360 1362 1364 1366 1368 1370 1372 1374 1376 1378 1380 23

24 1382 1384 1386 1388 1390 1392 1394 1396 1398 1400 1402 1404 1406 1408 1410 1412 1414 1416 1418 1420 1422 1424 1426 1428 1430 1432 1434 1436 1438 1440 24

25 1442 1444 1446 1448 1450 1452 1454 1456 1458 1460 1462 1464 1466 1468 1470 1472 1474 1476 1478 1480 1482 1484 1486 1488 1490 1492 1494 1496 1498 1500 25

LAYER NO.

CONT. POS.

LAYER NO.

CONT. POS.

1 2 3 4 5

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 104
EXHIBIT X

Worksheet #10 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

72 HALF CASES PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12

P 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72

A 2 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144

L 3 146 148 150 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180 182 184 186 188 190 192 194 196 198 200 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216

L 4 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 236 238 240 242 244 246 248 250 252 254 256 258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 274 276 278 280 282 284 286 288

E 5 290 292 294 296 298 300 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 336 338 340 342 344 346 348 350 352 354 356 358 360

T

6 362 364 366 368 370 372 374 376 378 380 382 384 386 388 390 392 394 396 398 400 402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 422 424 426 428 430 432

N 7 434 436 438 440 442 444 446 448 450 452 454 456 458 460 462 464 466 468 470 472 474 476 478 480 482 484 486 488 490 492 494 496 498 500 502 504

U 8 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 520 522 524 526 528 530 532 534 536 538 540 542 544 546 548 550 552 554 556 558 560 562 564 566 568 570 572 574 576

M 9 578 580 582 584 586 588 590 592 594 596 598 600 602 604 606 608 610 612 614 616 618 620 622 624 626 628 630 632 634 636 638 640 642 644 646 648

B 10 650 652 654 656 658 660 662 664 666 668 670 672 674 676 678 680 682 684 686 688 690 692 694 696 698 700 702 704 706 708 710 712 714 716 718 720

E

R 11 722 724 726 728 730 732 734 736 738 740 742 744 746 748 750 752 754 756 758 760 762 764 766 768 770 772 774 776 778 780 782 784 786 788 790 792

12 794 796 798 800 802 804 806 808 810 812 814 816 818 820 822 824 826 828 830 832 834 836 838 840 842 844 846 848 850 852 854 856 858 860 862 864

13 866 868 870 872 874 876 878 880 882 884 886 888 890 892 894 896 898 900 902 904 906 908 910 912 914 916 918 920 922 924 926 928 930 932 934 936

14 938 940 942 944 946 948 950 952 954 956 958 960 962 964 966 968 970 972 974 976 978 980 982 984 986 988 990 992 994 996 998 1000 1002 1004 1006 1008

15 1010 1012 1014 1016 1018 1020 1022 1024 1026 1028 1030 1032 1034 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 1046 1048 1050 1052 1054 1056 1058 1060 1062 1064 1066 1068 1070 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080

16 1082 1084 1086 1088 1090 1092 1094 1096 1098 1100 1102 1104 1106 1108 1110 1112 1114 1116 1118 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134 1136 1138 1140 1142 1144 1146 1148 1150 1152

17 1154 1156 1158 1160 1162 1164 1166 1168 1170 1172 1174 1176 1178 1180 1182 1184 1186 1188 1190 1192 1194 1196 1198 1200 1202 1204 1206 1208 1210 1212 1214 1216 1218 1220 1222 1224

18 1226 1228 1230 1232 1234 1236 1238 1240 1242 1244 1246 1248 1250 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 1262 1264 1266 1268 1270 1272 1274 1276 1278 1280 1282 1284 1286 1288 1290 1292 1294 1296

19 1298 1300 1302 1304 1306 1308 1310 1312 1314 1316 1318 1320 1322 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1334 1336 1338 1340 1342 1344 1346 1348 1350 1352 1354 1356 1358 1360 1362 1364 1366 1368

20 1370 1372 1374 1376 1378 1380 1382 1384 1386 1388 1390 1392 1394 1396 1398 1400 1402 1404 1406 1408 1410 1412 1414 1416 1418 1420 1422 1424 1426 1428 1430 1432 1434 1436 1438 1440

21 1442 1444 1446 1448 1450 1452 1454 1456 1458 1460 1462 1464 1466 1468 1470 1472 1474 1476 1478 1480 1482 1484 1486 1488 1490 1492 1494 1496 1498 1500 1502 1504 1506 1508 1510 1512

22 1514 1516 1518 1520 1522 1524 1526 1528 1530 1532 1534 1536 1538 1540 1542 1544 1546 1548 1550 1552 1554 1556 1558 1560 1562 1564 1566 1568 1570 1572 1574 1576 1578 1580 1582 1584

23 1586 1588 1590 1592 1594 1596 1598 1600 1602 1604 1606 1608 1610 1612 1614 1616 1618 1620 1622 1624 1626 1628 1630 1632 1634 1636 1638 1640 1642 1644 1646 1648 1650 1652 1654 1656

24 1658 1660 1662 1664 1666 1668 1670 1672 1674 1676 1678 1680 1682 1684 1686 1688 1690 1692 1694 1696 1698 1700 1702 1704 1706 1708 1710 1712 1714 1716 1718 1720 1722 1724 1726 1728

25 1730 1732 1734 1736 1738 1740 1742 1744 1746 1748 1750 1752 1754 1756 1758 1760 1762 1764 1766 1768 1770 1772 1774 1776 1778 1780 1782 1784 1786 1788 1790 1792 1794 1796 1798 1800

LAYER NO. 3 4 5 6

CONT. POS.

1 2

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 105
EXHIBIT XI

Worksheet #11 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

PRODUCT ON “BOSSIES” OR RACKS

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:__________(From half-cases) 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

18 17 16 36 35 34 54 53 52 72 71 70 90 89 88 108 107 106 126 125 124 144 143 142

13 14 15 31 32 33 49 50 51 67 68 69 85 86 87 103 104 105 121 122 123 139 140 141

12 11 10 30 29 28 48 47 46 66 65 64 84 83 82 102 101 100 120 119 118 138 137 136

7 8 9 25 26 27 43 44 45 61 62 63 79 80 81 97 98 99 115 116 117 133 134 135

6 5 4 24 23 22 42 41 40 60 59 58 78 77 76 96 95 94 114 113 112 132 131 130

1 2 3 19 20 21 37 38 39 55 56 57 73 74 75 91 92 93 109 110 111 127 128 129

162 161 160 180 179 178 198 197 196 216 215 214 234 233 232 252 251 250 270 269 268 288 287 286

157 158 159 175 176 177 193 194 195 211 212 213 229 230 231 247 248 249 265 266 267 283 284 285

156 155 154 174 173 172 192 191 190 210 209 208 228 227 226 246 245 244 264 263 262 282 281 280

151 152 153 169 170 171 187 188 189 205 206 207 223 224 225 241 242 243 259 260 261 277 278 279

150 149 148 168 167 166 186 185 184 204 203 202 222 221 220 240 239 238 258 257 256 276 275 274

145 146 147 163 164 165 181 182 183 199 200 201 217 218 219 235 236 237 253 254 255 271 272 273

306 305 304 324 323 322 342 341 340 360 359 358 378 377 376 396 395 394 414 413 412 432 431 430

301 302 303 319 320 321 337 338 339 355 356 357 373 374 375 391 392 393 409 410 411 427 428 429

300 299 298 318 317 316 336 335 334 354 353 352 372 371 370 390 389 388 408 407 406 426 425 424

295 296 297 313 314 315 331 332 333 349 350 351 367 368 369 385 386 387 403 404 405 421 422 423

294 293 292 312 311 310 330 329 328 348 347 346 366 365 364 384 383 382 402 401 400 420 419 418

289 290 291 307 308 309 325 326 327 343 344 345 361 362 363 379 380 381 397 398 399 415 416 417

450 449 448 468 467 466 486 485 484 504 503 502 522 521 520 540 539 538 558 557 556 576 575 574

445 446 447 463 464 465 481 482 483 499 500 501 517 518 519 535 536 537 553 554 555 571 572 573

444 443 442 462 461 460 480 479 478 498 497 496 516 515 514 534 533 532 552 551 550 570 569 568

439 440 441 457 458 459 475 476 477 493 494 495 511 512 513 529 530 531 547 548 549 565 566 567

438 437 436 456 455 454 474 473 472 492 491 490 510 509 508 528 527 526 546 545 544 564 563 562

433 434 435 451 452 453 469 470 471 487 488 489 505 506 507 523 524 525 541 542 543 559 560 561

594 593 592 612 611 610 630 629 628 648 647 646 666 665 664 684 683 682 702 701 700 720 719 718

589 590 591 607 608 609 625 626 627 643 644 645 661 662 663 679 680 681 697 698 699 715 716 717

588 587 586 606 605 604 624 623 622 642 641 640 660 659 658 678 677 676 696 695 694 714 713 712

583 584 585 601 602 603 619 620 621 637 638 639 655 656 657 673 674 675 691 692 693 709 710 711

582 581 580 600 599 598 618 617 616 636 635 634 654 653 652 672 671 670 690 689 688 708 707 706

577 578 579 595 596 597 613 614 615 631 632 633 649 650 651 667 668 669 685 686 687 703 704 705

RACK #1 RACK #2 RACK #3 RACK #4 RACK#5 RACK #6 RACK #7 RACK #8

RACK #9 RACK #10 RACK #11 RACK #12 RACK #13 RACK #14 RACK #15 RACK #16

RACK #17 RACK #18 RACK #19 RACK #20 RACK #21 RACK #22 RACK #23 RACK #24

RACK #25 RACK #26 RACK #27 RACK #28 RACK #29 RACK #30 RACK #31 RACK #32

RACK #33 RACK #34 RACK #35 RACK #36 RACK #37 RACK #38 RACK #39 RACK #40

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 106
EXHIBIT XII

Worksheet #12 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

16 HALF CASES PER PACK

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:__________(From half-cases) 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

16 15 14 13 32 31 30 29 48 47 46 45 64 63 62 61 80 79 78 77

9 10 11 12 25 26 27 28 41 42 43 44 57 58 59 60 73 74 75 76

8 7 6 5 24 23 22 21 40 39 38 37 56 55 54 53 72 71 70 69

1 2 3 4 17 18 19 20 33 34 35 36 49 50 51 52 65 66 67 68

96 95 94 93 112 111 110 109 128 127 126 125 144 143 142 141 160 159 158 157

89 90 91 92 105 106 107 108 121 122 123 124 137 138 139 140 153 154 155 156

88 87 86 85 104 103 102 101 120 119 118 117 136 135 134 133 152 151 150 149

81 82 83 84 97 98 99 100 113 114 115 116 129 130 131 132 145 146 147 148

176 175 174 173 192 191 190 189 208 207 206 205 224 223 222 221 240 239 238 237

169 170 171 172 185 186 187 188 201 202 203 204 217 218 219 220 233 234 235 236

168 167 166 165 184 183 182 181 200 199 198 197 216 215 214 213 232 231 230 229

161 162 163 164 177 178 179 180 193 194 195 196 209 210 211 212 225 226 227 228

256 255 254 253 272 271 270 269 288 287 286 285 304 303 302 301 320 319 318 317

249 250 251 252 265 266 267 268 281 282 283 284 297 298 299 300 313 314 315 316

248 247 246 245 264 263 262 261 280 279 278 277 296 295 294 293 312 311 310 309

241 242 243 244 257 258 259 260 273 274 275 276 289 290 291 292 305 306 307 308

336 335 334 333 352 351 350 349 368 367 366 365 384 383 382 381 400 399 398 397

329 330 331 332 345 346 347 348 361 362 363 364 377 378 379 380 393 394 395 396

328 327 326 325 344 343 342 341 360 359 358 357 376 375 374 373 392 391 390 389

321 322 323 324 337 338 339 340 353 354 355 356 369 370 371 372 385 386 387 388

416 415 414 413 432 431 430 429 448 447 446 445 464 463 462 461 480 479 478 477

409 410 411 412 425 426 427 428 441 442 443 444 457 458 459 460 473 474 475 476

408 407 406 405 424 423 422 421 440 439 438 437 456 455 454 453 472 471 470 469

401 402 403 404 417 418 419 420 433 434 435 436 449 450 451 452 465 466 467 468

496 495 494 493 512 511 510 509 528 527 526 525 544 543 542 541 560 559 558 557

489 490 491 492 505 506 507 508 521 522 523 524 537 538 539 540 553 554 555 556

488 487 486 485 504 503 502 501 520 519 518 517 536 535 534 533 552 551 550 549

481 482 483 484 497 498 499 500 513 514 515 516 529 530 531 532 545 546 547 548

576 575 574 573 592 591 590 589 608 607 606 605 624 623 622 621 640 639 638 637

569 570 571 572 585 586 587 588 601 602 603 604 617 618 619 620 633 634 635 636

568 567 566 565 584 583 582 581 600 599 598 597 616 615 614 613 632 631 630 629

561 562 563 564 577 578 579 580 593 594 595 596 609 610 611 612 625 626 627 628

RACK #9 RACK #10

RACK #1 RACK #2 RACK #3 RACK #4 RACK#5

RACK #11

RACK #6 RACK #7 RACK #8

RACK #12 RACK #13 RACK #14 RACK #15

RACK #25

RACK #16 RACK #17 RACK#18 RACK #19 RACK #20

RACK #21 RACK #22 RACK #23 RACK #24

RACK #26 RACK #27 RACK #28 RACK #29 RACK #30

RACK #35

RACK #36 RACK #37 RACK #38 RACK #39 RACK #40

RACK #31 RACK #32 RACK #33 RACK #34

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 107
EXHIBIT XIII

Worksheet #13 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

24 HALF CASES PER PACK

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:__________(From half-cases) 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

24 23 22 21 48 47 46 45 72 71 70 69 96 95 94 93 120 119 118 117

17 18 19 20 41 42 43 44 65 66 67 68 89 90 91 92 113 114 115 116

16 15 14 13 40 39 38 37 64 63 62 61 88 87 86 85 112 111 110 109

9 10 11 12 33 34 35 36 57 58 59 60 81 82 83 84 105 106 107 108

8 7 6 5 32 31 30 29 56 55 54 53 80 79 78 77 104 103 102 101

1 2 3 4 25 26 27 28 49 50 51 52 73 74 75 76 97 98 99 100

144 143 142 141 168 167 166 165 192 191 190 189 216 215 214 213 240 239 238 237

137 138 139 140 161 162 163 164 185 186 187 188 209 210 211 212 233 234 235 236

136 135 134 133 160 159 158 157 184 183 182 181 208 207 206 205 232 231 230 229

129 130 131 132 153 154 155 156 177 178 179 180 201 202 203 204 225 226 227 228

128 127 126 125 152 151 150 149 176 175 174 173 200 199 198 197 224 223 222 221

121 122 123 124 145 146 147 148 169 170 171 172 193 194 195 196 217 218 219 220

264 263 262 261 288 287 286 285 312 311 310 309 336 335 334 333 360 359 358 357

257 258 259 260 281 282 283 284 305 306 307 308 329 330 331 332 353 354 355 356

256 255 254 253 280 279 278 277 304 303 302 301 328 327 326 325 352 351 350 349

249 250 251 252 273 274 275 276 297 298 299 300 321 322 323 324 345 346 347 348

248 247 246 245 272 271 270 269 296 295 294 293 320 319 318 317 344 343 342 341

241 242 243 244 265 266 267 268 289 290 291 292 313 314 315 316 337 338 339 340

384 383 382 381 408 407 406 405 432 431 430 429 456 455 454 453 480 479 478 477

377 378 379 380 401 402 403 404 425 426 427 428 449 450 451 452 473 474 475 476

376 375 374 373 400 399 398 397 424 423 422 421 448 447 446 445 472 471 470 469

369 370 371 372 393 394 395 396 417 418 419 420 441 442 443 444 465 466 467 468

368 367 366 365 392 391 390 389 416 415 414 413 440 439 438 437 464 463 462 461

361 362 363 364 385 386 387 388 409 410 411 412 433 434 435 436 457 458 459 460

504 503 502 501 528 527 526 525 552 551 550 549 576 575 574 573 600 599 598 597

497 498 499 500 521 522 523 524 545 546 547 548 569 570 571 572 593 594 595 596

496 495 494 493 520 519 518 517 544 543 542 541 568 567 566 565 592 591 590 589

489 490 491 492 513 514 515 516 537 538 539 540 561 562 563 564 585 586 587 588

488 487 486 485 512 511 510 509 536 535 534 533 560 559 558 557 584 583 582 581

481 482 483 484 505 506 507 508 529 530 531 532 553 554 555 556 577 578 579 580

624 623 622 621 648 647 646 645 672 671 670 669 696 695 694 693 720 719 718 717

617 618 619 620 641 642 643 644 665 666 667 668 689 690 691 692 713 714 715 716

616 615 614 613 640 639 638 637 664 663 662 661 688 687 686 685 712 711 710 709

609 610 611 612 633 634 635 636 657 658 659 660 681 682 683 684 705 706 707 708

608 607 606 605 632 631 630 629 656 655 654 653 680 679 678 677 704 703 702 701

601 602 603 604 625 626 627 628 649 650 651 652 673 674 675 676 697 698 699 700

RACK #9 RACK #10

RACK #1 RACK #2 RACK #3 RACK #4 RACK#5

RACK #11

RACK #6 RACK #7 RACK #8

RACK #12 RACK #13 RACK #14 RACK #15

RACK #25

RACK #16 RACK #17 RACK#18 RACK #19 RACK #20

RACK #21 RACK #22 RACK #23 RACK #24

RACK #26 RACK #27 RACK #28 RACK #29 RACK #30

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 108
EXHIBIT XIV

Worksheet #14 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

32 HALF CASES PER PACK

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:__________(From half-cases) 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

32 31 30 29 64 63 62 61 96 95 94 93 128 127 126 125 160 159 158 157

25 26 27 28 57 58 59 60 89 90 91 92 121 122 123 124 153 154 155 156

24 23 22 21 56 55 54 53 88 87 86 85 120 119 118 117 152 151 150 149

17 18 19 20 49 50 51 52 81 82 83 84 113 114 115 116 145 146 147 148

16 15 14 13 48 47 46 45 80 79 78 77 112 111 110 109 144 143 142 141

9 10 11 12 41 42 43 44 73 74 75 76 105 106 107 108 137 138 139 140

8 7 6 5 40 39 38 37 72 71 70 69 104 103 102 101 136 135 134 133

1 2 3 4 33 34 35 36 65 66 67 68 97 98 99 100 129 130 131 132

192 191 190 189 224 223 222 221 256 255 254 253 288 287 286 285 320 319 318 317

185 186 187 188 217 218 219 220 249 250 251 252 281 282 283 284 313 314 315 316

184 183 182 181 216 215 214 213 248 247 246 245 280 279 278 277 312 311 310 309

177 178 179 180 209 210 211 212 241 242 243 244 273 274 275 276 305 306 307 308

176 175 174 173 208 207 206 205 240 239 238 237 272 271 270 269 304 303 302 301

169 170 171 172 201 202 203 204 233 234 235 236 265 266 267 268 297 298 299 300

168 167 166 165 200 199 198 197 232 231 230 229 264 263 262 261 296 295 294 293

161 162 163 164 193 194 195 196 225 226 227 228 257 258 259 260 289 290 291 292

352 351 350 349 384 383 382 381 416 415 414 413 448 447 446 445 480 479 478 477

345 346 347 348 377 378 379 380 409 410 411 412 441 442 443 444 473 474 475 476

344 343 342 341 376 375 374 373 408 407 406 405 440 439 438 437 472 471 470 469

337 338 339 340 369 370 371 372 401 402 403 404 433 434 435 436 465 466 467 468

336 335 334 333 368 367 366 365 400 399 398 397 432 431 430 429 464 463 462 461

329 330 331 332 361 362 363 364 393 394 395 396 425 426 427 428 457 458 459 460

328 327 326 325 360 359 358 357 392 391 390 389 424 423 422 421 456 455 454 453

321 322 323 324 353 354 355 356 385 386 387 388 417 418 419 420 449 450 451 452

512 511 510 509 544 543 542 541 576 575 574 573 608 607 606 605 640 639 638 637

505 506 507 508 537 538 539 540 569 570 571 572 601 602 603 604 633 634 635 636

504 503 502 501 536 535 534 533 568 567 566 565 600 599 598 597 632 631 630 629

497 498 499 500 529 530 531 532 561 562 563 564 593 594 595 596 625 626 627 628

496 495 494 493 528 527 526 525 560 559 558 557 592 591 590 589 624 623 622 621

489 490 491 492 521 522 523 524 553 554 555 556 585 586 587 588 617 618 619 620

488 487 486 485 520 519 518 517 552 551 550 549 584 583 582 581 616 615 614 613

481 482 483 484 513 514 515 516 545 546 547 548 577 578 579 580 609 610 611 612

672 671 670 669 704 703 702 701 736 735 734 733 768 767 766 765 800 799 798 797

665 666 667 668 697 698 699 700 729 730 731 732 761 762 763 764 793 794 795 796

664 663 662 661 696 695 694 693 728 727 726 725 760 759 758 757 792 791 790 789

657 658 659 660 689 690 691 692 721 722 723 724 753 754 755 756 785 786 787 788

656 655 654 653 688 687 686 685 720 719 718 717 752 751 750 749 784 783 782 781

649 650 651 652 681 682 683 684 713 714 715 716 745 746 747 748 777 778 779 780

648 647 646 645 680 679 678 677 712 711 710 709 744 743 742 741 776 775 774 773

641 642 643 644 673 674 675 676 705 706 707 708 737 738 739 740 769 770 771 772

RACK #25

RACK #16 RACK #17 RACK#18 RACK #19 RACK #20

RACK #21 RACK #22 RACK #23 RACK #24

RACK #11 RACK #12 RACK #13 RACK #14 RACK #15

RACK #6 RACK #7 RACK #8 RACK #9 RACK #10

RACK #1 RACK #2 RACK #3 RACK #4 RACK#5

REMARKS:

Page 109
EXHIBIT XV

Worksheet #15 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

PARTIAL PALLETS OR RACKS

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

PALLET NO:____________ PALLET NO:____________ PALLET NO:____________ PALLET NO:____________

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

PALLET NO:____________ PALLET NO:____________ PALLET NO:____________ PALLET NO:____________

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

L

A

Y

E

R

N

U

M

B

E

R

L

A

Y

E

R

N

U

M

B

E

R

L

A

Y

E

R

N

U

M

B

E

R

L

A

Y

E

R

N

U

M

B

E

R

L

A

Y

E

R

N

U

M

B

E

R

L

A

Y

E

R

N

U

M

B

E

R

L

A

Y

E

R

N

U

M

B

E

R

L

A

Y

E

R

N

U

M

B

E

R

RACK #5 RACK #6 RACK #7 RACK #8

RACK #1 RACK #2 RACK #3 RACK #4

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 110
EXHIBIT XVI

Worksheet #16 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

54-9 DOZ. BASKETS PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9

P 1 1 3 5 7 9 10 12 14 16 18 19 21 23 25 27 28 30 32 34 36 37 39 41 43 45 46 48 50 52 54

A 2 55 57 59 61 63 64 66 68 70 72 73 75 77 79 81 82 84 86 88 90 91 93 95 97 99 100 102 104 106 108

L 3 109 111 113 115 117 118 120 122 124 126 127 129 131 133 135 136 138 140 142 144 145 147 149 151 153 154 156 158 160 162

L 4 163 165 167 169 171 172 174 176 178 180 181 183 185 187 189 190 192 194 196 198 199 201 203 205 207 208 210 212 214 216

E 5 217 219 221 223 225 226 228 230 232 234 235 237 239 241 243 244 246 248 250 252 253 255 257 259 261 262 264 266 268 270

T

6 271 273 275 277 279 280 282 284 286 288 289 291 293 295 297 298 300 302 304 306 307 309 311 313 315 316 318 320 322 324

N 7 325 327 329 331 333 334 336 338 340 342 343 345 347 349 351 352 354 356 358 360 361 363 365 367 369 370 372 374 376 378

U 8 379 381 383 385 387 388 390 392 394 396 397 399 401 403 405 406 408 410 412 414 415 417 419 421 423 424 426 428 430 432

M 9 433 435 437 439 441 442 444 446 448 450 451 453 455 457 459 460 462 464 466 468 469 471 473 475 477 478 480 482 484 486

B 10 487 489 491 493 495 496 498 500 502 504 505 507 509 511 513 514 516 518 520 522 523 525 527 529 531 532 534 536 538 540

E

R 11 541 543 545 547 549 550 552 554 556 558 559 561 563 565 567 568 570 572 574 576 577 579 581 583 585 586 588 590 592 594

12 595 597 599 601 603 604 606 608 610 612 613 615 617 619 621 622 624 626 628 630 631 633 635 637 639 640 642 644 646 648

13 649 651 653 655 657 658 660 662 664 666 667 669 671 673 675 676 678 680 682 684 685 687 689 691 693 694 696 698 700 702

14 703 705 707 709 711 712 714 716 718 720 721 723 725 727 729 730 732 734 736 738 739 741 743 745 747 748 750 752 754 756

15 757 759 761 763 765 766 768 770 772 774 775 777 779 781 783 784 786 788 790 792 793 795 797 799 801 802 804 806 808 810

16 811 813 815 817 819 820 822 824 826 828 829 831 833 835 837 838 840 842 844 846 847 849 851 853 855 856 858 860 862 864

17 865 867 869 871 873 874 876 878 880 882 883 885 887 889 891 892 894 896 898 900 901 903 905 907 909 910 912 914 916 918

18 919 921 923 925 927 928 930 932 934 936 937 939 941 943 945 946 948 950 952 954 955 957 959 961 963 964 966 968 970 972

19 973 975 977 979 981 982 984 986 988 990 991 993 995 997 999 1000 1002 1004 1006 1008 1009 1011 1013 1015 1017 1018 1020 1022 1024 1026

20 1027 1029 1031 1033 1035 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 1045 1047 1049 1051 1053 1054 1056 1058 1060 1062 1063 1065 1067 1069 1071 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080

21 1081 1083 1085 1087 1089 1090 1092 1094 1096 1098 1099 1101 1103 1105 1107 1108 1110 1112 1114 1116 1117 1119 1121 1123 1125 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134

22 1135 1137 1139 1141 1143 1144 1146 1148 1150 1152 1153 1155 1157 1159 1161 1162 1164 1166 1168 1170 1171 1173 1175 1177 1179 1180 1182 1184 1186 1188

23 1189 1191 1193 1195 1197 1198 1200 1202 1204 1206 1207 1209 1211 1213 1215 1216 1218 1220 1222 1224 1225 1227 1229 1231 1233 1234 1236 1238 1240 1242

24 1243 1245 1247 1249 1251 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 1261 1263 1265 1267 1269 1270 1272 1274 1276 1278 1279 1281 1283 1285 1287 1288 1290 1292 1294 1296

25 1297 1299 1301 1303 1305 1306 1308 1310 1312 1314 1315 1317 1319 1321 1323 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1333 1335 1337 1339 1341 1342 1344 1346 1348 1350

26 1351 1353 1355 1357 1359 1360 1362 1364 1366 1368 1369 1371 1373 1375 1377 1378 1380 1382 1384 1386 1387 1389 1391 1393 1395 1396 1398 1400 1402 1404

27 1405 1407 1409 1411 1413 1414 1416 1418 1420 1422 1423 1425 1427 1429 1431 1432 1434 1436 1438 1440 1441 1443 1445 1447 1449 1450 1452 1454 1456 1458

28 1459 1461 1463 1465 1467 1468 1470 1472 1474 1476 1477 1479 1481 1483 1485 1486 1488 1490 1492 1494 1495 1497 1499 1501 1503 1504 1506 1508 1510 1512

29 1513 1515 1517 1519 1521 1522 1524 1526 1528 1530 1531 1533 1535 1537 1539 1540 1542 1544 1546 1548 1549 1551 1553 1555 1557 1558 1560 1562 1564 1566

30 1567 1569 1571 1573 1575 1576 1578 1580 1582 1584 1585 1587 1589 1591 1593 1594 1596 1598 1600 1602 1603 1605 1607 1609 1611 1612 1614 1616 1618 1620

LAYER NO. 3 4 5 6

CONT. POS.

1 2

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 111
EXHIBIT XVII

Worksheet #17 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12

P 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72

A 2 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144

L 3 146 148 150 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180 182 184 186 188 190 192 194 196 198 200 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216

L 4 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 236 238 240 242 244 246 248 250 252 254 256 258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 274 276 278 280 282 284 286 288

E 5 290 292 294 296 298 300 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 336 338 340 342 344 346 348 350 352 354 356 358 360

T

6 362 364 366 368 370 372 374 376 378 380 382 384 386 388 390 392 394 396 398 400 402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 422 424 426 428 430 432

N 7 434 436 438 440 442 444 446 448 450 452 454 456 458 460 462 464 466 468 470 472 474 476 478 480 482 484 486 488 490 492 494 496 498 500 502 504

U 8 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 520 522 524 526 528 530 532 534 536 538 540 542 544 546 548 550 552 554 556 558 560 562 564 566 568 570 572 574 576

M 9 578 580 582 584 586 588 590 592 594 596 598 600 602 604 606 608 610 612 614 616 618 620 622 624 626 628 630 632 634 636 638 640 642 644 646 648

B 10 650 652 654 656 658 660 662 664 666 668 670 672 674 676 678 680 682 684 686 688 690 692 694 696 698 700 702 704 706 708 710 712 714 716 718 720

E

R 11 722 724 726 728 730 732 734 736 738 740 742 744 746 748 750 752 754 756 758 760 762 764 766 768 770 772 774 776 778 780 782 784 786 788 790 792

12 794 796 798 800 802 804 806 808 810 812 814 816 818 820 822 824 826 828 830 832 834 836 838 840 842 844 846 848 850 852 854 856 858 860 862 864

13 866 868 870 872 874 876 878 880 882 884 886 888 890 892 894 896 898 900 902 904 906 908 910 912 914 916 918 920 922 924 926 928 930 932 934 936

14 938 940 942 944 946 948 950 952 954 956 958 960 962 964 966 968 970 972 974 976 978 980 982 984 986 988 990 992 994 996 998 1000 1002 1004 1006 1008

15 1010 1012 1014 1016 1018 1020 1022 1024 1026 1028 1030 1032 1034 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 1046 1048 1050 1052 1054 1056 1058 1060 1062 1064 1066 1068 1070 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080

16 1082 1084 1086 1088 1090 1092 1094 1096 1098 1100 1102 1104 1106 1108 1110 1112 1114 1116 1118 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134 1136 1138 1140 1142 1144 1146 1148 1150 1152

17 1154 1156 1158 1160 1162 1164 1166 1168 1170 1172 1174 1176 1178 1180 1182 1184 1186 1188 1190 1192 1194 1196 1198 1200 1202 1204 1206 1208 1210 1212 1214 1216 1218 1220 1222 1224

18 1226 1228 1230 1232 1234 1236 1238 1240 1242 1244 1246 1248 1250 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 1262 1264 1266 1268 1270 1272 1274 1276 1278 1280 1282 1284 1286 1288 1290 1292 1294 1296

19 1298 1300 1302 1304 1306 1308 1310 1312 1314 1316 1318 1320 1322 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1334 1336 1338 1340 1342 1344 1346 1348 1350 1352 1354 1356 1358 1360 1362 1364 1366 1368

20 1370 1372 1374 1376 1378 1380 1382 1384 1386 1388 1390 1392 1394 1396 1398 1400 1402 1404 1406 1408 1410 1412 1414 1416 1418 1420 1422 1424 1426 1428 1430 1432 1434 1436 1438 1440

21 1442 1444 1446 1448 1450 1452 1454 1456 1458 1460 1462 1464 1466 1468 1470 1472 1474 1476 1478 1480 1482 1484 1486 1488 1490 1492 1494 1496 1498 1500 1502 1504 1506 1508 1510 1512

22 1514 1516 1518 1520 1522 1524 1526 1528 1530 1532 1534 1536 1538 1540 1542 1544 1546 1548 1550 1552 1554 1556 1558 1560 1562 1564 1566 1568 1570 1572 1574 1576 1578 1580 1582 1584

23 1586 1588 1590 1592 1594 1596 1598 1600 1602 1604 1606 1608 1610 1612 1614 1616 1618 1620 1622 1624 1626 1628 1630 1632 1634 1636 1638 1640 1642 1644 1646 1648 1650 1652 1654 1656

24 1658 1660 1662 1664 1666 1668 1670 1672 1674 1676 1678 1680 1682 1684 1686 1688 1690 1692 1694 1696 1698 1700 1702 1704 1706 1708 1710 1712 1714 1716 1718 1720 1722 1724 1726 1728

25 1730 1732 1734 1736 1738 1740 1742 1744 1746 1748 1750 1752 1754 1756 1758 1760 1762 1764 1766 1768 1770 1772 1774 1776 1778 1780 1782 1784 1786 1788 1790 1792 1794 1796 1798 1800

3 4 5 6 L A Y E R N O.

C O N T. P O S.

1 2

72-9 DOZ. BASKETS PER PALLET

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

REMARKS: 

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________ 

Page 112
EXHIBIT XVIII

Worksheet #18 

OPTIONAL SAMPLE

SELECTION WORKSHEET

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ

:________________________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

SAMPLE 

NUMBER

PALLET 

NUMBER

LAYER 

NUMBER

CONTAINER 

POSITION

SAMPLE 

NUMBER

PALLET 

NUMBER

LAYER 

NUMBER

CONTAINER 

POSITION

1 11

2 12

3 13

4 14

5 15

6 16

7 17

8 18

9 19

10 20

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 113
EXHIBIT XIX

Worksheet #19 

SAMPLE SELECTION WORKSHEET

45-9 DOZ. BASKETS PER PALLET

SAMPLE CONTAINERS SELECTED

1.__________ 11.__________ 

2.__________ 12.__________ 

3.__________ 13.__________ 

4.__________ 14.__________ 

5.__________ 15.__________ 

6.__________ 16.__________ 

7.__________ 17.__________ 

8.__________ 18.__________ 

9.__________ 19.__________ 

LOT INFORMATION

Grade & Size

Type of pack

No./Size of Cases

Samples Needed 

:________________________ 

:________________________ 

:____________=____/30-DOZ.

:________________________ 

10.__________ 20.__________ 

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH SAMPLE IN THE CHART BELOW. 

1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9

P 1 1 3 5 7 9 10 12 14 16 18 19 21 23 25 27 28 30 32 34 36 37 39 41 43 45 1 P

A 2 46 48 50 52 54 55 57 59 61 63 64 66 68 70 72 73 75 77 79 81 82 84 86 88 90 2 A

L 3 91 93 95 97 99 100 102 104 106 108 109 111 113 115 117 118 120 122 124 126 127 129 131 133 135 3 L

L 4 136 138 140 142 144 145 147 149 151 153 154 156 158 160 162 163 165 167 169 171 172 174 176 178 180 4 L

E 5 181 183 185 187 189 190 192 194 196 198 199 201 203 205 207 208 210 212 214 216 217 219 221 223 225 5 E

T T

6 226 228 230 232 234 235 237 239 241 243 244 246 248 250 252 253 255 257 259 261 262 264 266 268 270 6

N 7 271 273 275 277 279 280 282 284 286 288 289 291 293 295 297 298 300 302 304 306 307 309 311 313 315 7 N

U 8 316 318 320 322 324 325 327 329 331 333 334 336 338 340 342 343 345 347 349 351 352 354 356 358 360 8 U

M 9 361 363 365 367 369 370 372 374 376 378 379 381 383 385 387 388 390 392 394 396 397 399 401 403 405 9 M

B 10 406 408 410 412 414 415 417 419 421 423 424 426 428 430 432 433 435 437 439 441 442 444 446 448 450 10 B

E E

R 11 451 453 455 457 459 460 462 464 466 468 469 471 473 475 477 478 480 482 484 486 487 489 491 493 495 11 R

12 496 498 500 502 504 505 507 509 511 513 514 516 518 520 522 523 525 527 529 531 532 534 536 538 540 12

13 541 543 545 547 549 550 552 554 556 558 559 561 563 565 567 568 570 572 574 576 577 579 581 583 585 13

14 586 588 590 592 594 595 597 599 601 603 604 606 608 610 612 613 615 617 619 621 622 624 626 628 630 14

15 631 633 635 637 639 640 642 644 646 648 649 651 653 655 657 658 660 662 664 666 667 669 671 673 675 15

16 676 678 680 682 684 685 687 689 691 693 694 696 698 700 702 703 705 707 709 711 712 714 716 718 720 16

17 721 723 725 727 729 730 732 734 736 738 739 741 743 745 747 748 750 752 754 756 757 759 761 763 765 17

18 766 768 770 772 774 775 777 779 781 783 784 786 788 790 792 793 795 797 799 801 802 804 806 808 810 18

19 811 813 815 817 819 820 822 824 826 828 829 831 833 835 837 838 840 842 844 846 847 849 851 853 855 19

20 856 858 860 862 864 865 867 869 871 873 874 876 878 880 882 883 885 887 889 891 892 894 896 898 900 20

21 901 903 905 907 909 910 912 914 916 918 919 921 923 925 927 928 930 932 934 936 937 939 941 943 945 21

22 946 948 950 952 954 955 957 959 961 963 964 966 968 970 972 973 975 977 979 981 982 984 986 988 990 22

23 991 993 995 997 999 1000 1002 1004 1006 1008 1009 1011 1013 1015 1017 1018 1020 1022 1024 1026 1027 1029 1031 1033 1035 23

24 1036 1038 1040 1042 1044 1045 1047 1049 1051 1053 1054 1056 1058 1060 1062 1063 1065 1067 1069 1071 1072 1074 1076 1078 1080 24

25 1081 1083 1085 1087 1089 1090 1092 1094 1096 1098 1099 1101 1103 1105 1107 1108 1110 1112 1114 1116 1117 1119 1121 1123 1125 25

26 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134 1135 1137 1139 1141 1143 1144 1146 1148 1150 1152 1153 1155 1157 1159 1161 1162 1164 1166 1168 1170 26

27 1171 1173 1175 1177 1179 1180 1182 1184 1186 1188 1189 1191 1193 1195 1197 1198 1200 1202 1204 1206 1207 1209 1211 1213 1215 27

28 1216 1218 1220 1222 1224 1225 1227 1229 1231 1233 1234 1236 1238 1240 1242 1243 1245 1247 1249 1251 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 28

29 1261 1263 1265 1267 1269 1270 1272 1274 1276 1278 1279 1281 1283 1285 1287 1288 1290 1292 1294 1296 1297 1299 1301 1303 1305 29

30 1306 1308 1310 1312 1314 1315 1317 1319 1321 1323 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1333 1335 1337 1339 1341 1342 1344 1346 1348 1350 30

LAYER NO.

CONT. POS.

1 2 LAYER NO.

CONT. POS.

3 4 5

REMARKS:

GRADER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE___________________

Page 114
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 708 Procedure

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 July 25, 2022

Service Washington, DC 20250

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Back to Top

QAD 708: ON-LINE SAMPLING OF SHELL EGGS

708.1 General

On-line sampling provides for product quality evaluation at regular intervals during production, with a 

primary goal of maintaining quality within reasonable, specified limits. If marginal quality product is 

encountered, as evidenced by a sample which shows that tolerance requirements for any factor are 

approaching the non-compliance level, the plant has the opportunity to make adjustments. Should such 

adjustments prove ineffective, and the tolerance is exceeded on a subsequent sample, the amount of 

product affected (retained) is limited to that which was produced since the last acceptable sample.

The effectiveness of on-line sampling of shell eggs in each plant is directly related to the plant’s 

efforts, in cooperation with the USDA, AMS grader (grader), to maintain a sound quality control 

program. Essential to a successful program are clearly defined procedures with regard to line identity, 

product control, sampling frequency, recording and evaluating sampling results, retention action, and 

issuing certificates, all of which will be addressed separately in this section. On-line sampling must 

always take priority over stationary lot gradings of any kind. 

708.2 Line Identity

The basic principle of on-line sampling involves the separation of production into various “lines” for 

sampling purposes. A “line” is defined as product being packed to meet the same grade and size 

requirements. For example: All U.S. Grade A Large eggs being packed onto one or more packing 

lines may be sampled as one line without regard to brand, type of packaging material, etc. Each 

sample taken from the U.S. Grade A Large line throughout the shift represents a segment of the 

ongoing production from that line. This segment of production, in effect, becomes a separate “lot,” 

and is accepted or retained based on the cumulative quality history of the line, as determined by the 

results of the particular sample.

A. A “primary” line is one which is anticipated to pack 100 or more 30-dozen cases of the same 

grade and size during the shift. 

B. A “secondary” line is one which is anticipated to pack less than 100 / 30-dozen cases of the 

same grade and size during the shift.

C. Each size must be sampled as a separate line.

D. U.S. Grade A product cannot be combined with U.S. Grade AA product for sampling purposes, 

except when the plant agrees that all product must meet U.S. Grade AA requirements.

E. Product being packed for an approved specification with more restrictive tolerances must be 

sampled as a separate line. See QAD 709 for specific special grading policies.

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F. Normally, product from each machine will be sampled separately by size category. However, a 

plant may request to combine production of the same size from more than one machine into a 

single line for sampling purposes. For example: the same brand of U.S. Grade A Large being 

packed on two or more machines can be sampled as a single line.

If production of the same size from two or more machines is combined, samples will normally be 

selected on an alternating basis between machines. However, the grader has the option of varying the 

sampling sequence, depending on product quality and volume on each machine. In any case, each 

sample represents the accumulated production from all machines since the last sample.

G. If the grader’s workload permits, and with supervisory approval, a plant may request to 

designate individual brands, different types of packaging materials, or even individual packing 

“heads” or stations, as separate lines for sampling purposes. 

H. In some situations, it may be possible to merge two separate lines of the same grade and size 

into a single line. Two “in control” lines could be merged into the line having the lowest 

quality and the first sample after the merge would be from that line. If either line is “out of 

control” or in a retain status, it is not permissible to merge into a single line without first 

bringing the line(s) back into control. 

708.3 Product Control

708.3a Designated Plant Employee 

The plant must designate in writing, one or more employees to work with the grader while officially 

identified product is being packed. These employees must be readily available at all times to:

1. Receive notification from the grader when a non-compliance sample is encountered 

on any line, or when a line is approaching maximum tolerance levels. 

2. Assist the grader in locating and segregating product to be retained when a 

noncompliance sample is encountered. 

3. Notify the grader before new lines are started any time during the shift.

708.3b Sampling Intervals

When officially identified product is being packed, samples are to be examined from each line at 

regular intervals during the shift. A “sampling interval” is defined as: 

1. The elapsed time between samples.

2. The amount of product packed between samples. 

708.3c Measurement

When calculating elapsed time or the amount of product packed, measurement is from the point where 

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the completed sample is returned to the line. Beginning with the first sample, and on each subsequent 

sample, all product packed up to the point where the completed sample is returned to the line may be 

released for shipment.

NOTE: Graders must not “stockpile” samples in their candling booth. Only one sample per grade and 

size will be taken off the conveyor/line for an official sample at any given time. 

When a line is approaching maximum tolerance levels or when a non-compliant sample is found, 

notify the designated plant employee as soon as possible. Do not return the sample to the line until 

after the plant employee has been notified. When returned, the sample becomes the “marker” and if 

the sample is out of compliance, all product from that point back to the last acceptable sample is to be 

retained.

708.3d Identification System for Samples

The plant must have an approved identification system for each line which will permit segregation of 

product represented by unsatisfactory samples. 

1. To assist in accomplishing this requirement, USDA will provide self-adhesive labels 

(Form LP-12) for identifying official samples. These will also serve as “markers” to 

identify sampling intervals.

a) USDA label markers will be affixed to each sample container, showing the date, 

sample number, and grader’s initials. If desired, the time the sample is returned to 

the line may also be shown. When stacked, the sample container must be placed 

in proper sequence, with the USDA label marker plainly visible on the outside of 

the pallet, dolly, row, etc. Some pallets, dollies, racks, bossies, etc., filled between 

official samples will not have any containers identified with a USDA label 

marker. These pallets, etc., must be marked or segregated in some manner so they 

can be identified as part of the applicable sampling interval, should retention be 

necessary.

b) When a completed 100 - egg sample is returned to a movable rack or “bossie,” 

rather than to a case or basket, each primary unit in the sample (flat, carton, etc.) is 

to be identified in some way: i.e., small letters with the grader’s initials, etc. The 

entire sample unit (100 eggs) is to be identified with a USDA label marker clearly 

visible on the outside of the rack. 

c) Some plants may, on occasion, pack more than one brand on the same grading 

machine with the different brands stacked on separate pallets. When the eggs on a 

grading machine are being sampled as a single day’s production of an identified 

weight class (size) rather than each brand being sampled as a separate lot, the eggs 

packaged are recognized as a single lot. For control purposes, the grader must 

identify the next container of each brand when an examined sample is returned to 

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the packaging line. For example: “Ace” brand and “Best” brand U.S. Grade A 

Large are being packed on the same grading machine with the grader alternating 

samples between the two brands. Since each sample represents a day’s production 

of the large eggs packaged on the grading machine, the brand not sampled must 

also be marked each time an examined sample is returned to the packaging line. 

Accordingly, a USDA label marker must be applied to the container last filled on the line of “Ace” 

brand when a “Best” brand sample is completed, and vice versa. The applicable sampling interval is to 

be shown on the label marker applied to the non-sample container. Mark a large “X” on the label 

marker to indicate the container was not sampled. Similarly, if more than two brands are being 

sampled as a single line, all brands must be identified with a USDA label marker to mark the intervals, 

each time a sample is returned to the line. If all packing or packaging is accurately marked with a 

timestamp, the grader may utilize these timestamps in lieu of applying label markers to non-sample 

containers. In the event of a retention, all brands in the line showing a timestamp later than the last 

sample would be included in the retention. 

2. Label markers are used primarily to control or identify official samples and may not

be removed by anyone other than official USDA personnel. Any container used as an 

official sample must have the sample number and grader’s initials affixed to the case, 

basket, bossie, etc. 

3. In lieu of using USDA label markers, the plant may request to use another equivalent 

system for identifying official samples and sampling intervals. Any system used must 

provide for positive control and be approved by the USDA, AMS supervisor

(supervisor). A description of the plant’s current system is to be kept in the 

“Information for Relief Grader” file as outlined in QAD 702. 

4. Plants using robotic stacking systems may be required to develop an alternative 

method for identifying official samples and sampling intervals. Any method plant 

management presents must provide for positive control and be approved by the 

supervisor. A description of the plant’s current system is to be kept in the 

“Information for Relief Grader” file as outlined in QAD 702. An example of an 

acceptable alternative system would be the use of time stamping on cases or case 

labels. An unsatisfactory method would be any method where USDA personnel did 

not have complete verification that all product represented in sampling periods were 

accounted for, such as allowing company personnel to locate and segregate product in 

the absence of USDA personnel. 

Failure to present an approved system for identifying official samples and sampling intervals from 

robotic stackers may result in retention of product up to the last verifiable control point. 

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708.3e Overlapping 

Overlapping occurs when product from different sampling intervals is mixed on the same pallet. 

Unless a plant elects to start a new pallet, row, etc., for each sampling interval, overlapping of intervals 

is unavoidable. When a non-compliant sample is found, all pallets, rows, dollies, etc., which contain 

any product represented by the noncompliance sample, must be retained. When acceptable product is 

mixed on the same pallet with non-acceptable product, the plant may request to segregate the 

acceptable product (for release), provided plant employees always follow an established, uniform 

system of stacking product. Otherwise, the entire pallet must be retained in order to assure all noncompliant product is accounted for. The plant’s stacking system(s) must be diagramed by the grader, 

and a copy kept in the “Information for Relief Grader” file folder 2. The grader must also verify from 

time to time that the established stacking system is being followed.

708.3f Stacking Product 

Stacking occurs when product from two or more machines is placed on the same pallet. For example: 

“Ace” brand A Large eggs are being packed on two machines and stacked onto the same pallet. 

1. Containers not identified by machine - A non-compliant sample on any machine 

requires retention of the accumulated production from all machines since the last 

acceptable sample. This applies regardless of whether all machines are sampled as a 

single line, or each machine is sampled separately. 

2. Containers are identified by machine - A non-compliant sample on any machine 

requires retention of the accumulated production from all machines since the last 

acceptable sample.

a) If each machine is sampled as a separate line, the plant may elect to segregate 

and hold product from the “out of control” machine(s) for full-sampling. 

Product from the “in control” machine(s) may be released for shipment.

b) If machines are combined and sampled as a single line, there is no provision for 

segregating acceptable product for immediate release. However, the plant may 

elect to segregate product by machine into separate sublots for a full 

representative sampling. 

708.4 Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency is based primarily on the volume being packed on each line. However, product 

quality must also be considered. Generally, poor or marginal quality product will be sampled more 

frequently. 

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708.4a Determination Primarily by Volume

To meet minimum sampling requirements on primary lines, the grader must average one sample for 

each 100 / 30-dozen cases produced on each line. Time permitting, graders should sample at a more 

frequent rate in order to promptly address fluctuations in quality, and to reduce the quantity of retained 

product. If plant management requests an increased frequency of sampling and time is not available, 

the grader’s supervisor will provide additional staffing. 

For an “in control” line, any one sample can represent up to 125 / 30-dozen cases, provided the average 

sampling interval for that line is 100 cases or less at the completion of the shift. If more than 125 cases 

will have accumulated during any sampling interval, all product packed on that line since the last 

acceptable sample must be held for later evaluation as a separate stationary lot (not to be combined 

with retained product). To identify the cut-off point for the product being set aside, and to mark the 

beginning of the next sampling interval, place a USDA label marker on the container last filled on the 

line. Since this container is not a sample, place a large “X” through the marker and show the number 

of the next sample to be taken, which will represent product produced from the marker forward. That 

next sample should be selected as soon as possible in order to determine the current status of the line 

(Example #1).

The product to be set aside for later full sampling must be conspicuously identified in some manner, 

such as with USDA hold tape, to preclude it from being shipped. Show under “Comment Log” on the 

reverse of Form LP-75 the total number of cases set aside and the time frame involved. For example: 

0830 - 0945: 150 / 30-dozen cases, “Ace” brand U.S. Grade A Large cartons not sampled - set aside 

for full sampling. 

Example #1: U.S. Grade A Large (Line production - approximately 125 cases per hour) 

In high volume plants, the grader may need to informally project an estimated volume for each primary 

line at the beginning of the shift. These estimates can be used to calculate the number of samples 

needed to meet the minimum requirement of 1 sample for each 100 cases produced. Recent ordering 

patterns by the plant’s regular accounts, along with current information from the plant, should aid in 

estimating daily volume. Approximate spacing of samples (minutes between samples or cases 

produced between samples) can be projected using these estimates.

To avoid becoming predictable or setting a pattern, the spacing of samples throughout the day should 

be varied slightly; i.e., samples should be taken at different time intervals and occasionally taken 

“back-to-back” on the same line. 

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On slow volume (secondary) lines where a total of less than 100 / 30-dozen cases is expected to be 

packed during the shift, examine at least one sample for every 4 hours of production time. 

708.4b Sampling Following a Retention 

When retention is necessary on any line, immediately notify the designated plant employee of the 

reason(s) for the retention and document on a LP-75. DO NOT RETURN THE NONCOMPLIANT SAMPLE TO THE LINE UNTIL THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED. If the plant 

continues to pack officially identified product, select and examine another sample from that line as 

soon as possible (complete the sample within approximately 25 minutes) to determine if corrections 

have been made. If a sample cannot be taken and completed within approximately 25 minutes, all 

product packed since the last acceptable sample must be held for later evaluation as a separate 

stationary lot. If management advises the grader that corrections cannot be made immediately or elects 

not to correct the non-compliance within the prescribed time and waives the 25 minutes for sampling, 

then all officially identified product must be held until the line is back in control. 

Graders are to follow the procedures outlined in QAD 708.4a for identifying the cutoff point, 

controlling the product set aside, and selecting the next online sample (Example #2).

Example #2: U.S. Grade A Large (Line Production - Approximately 60 cases per hour) 

Line Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 "X" Marker Sample 5

7:30 7:50 8:25 9:00 9:40 10:25 10:40

708.4c Sampling Frequency Adjustments 

During the shift, production from any line may vary from hour to hour. When necessary, adjust the 

sampling frequency to maintain the minimum ratio of 1 sample for each 100 cases produced. 

Quality on a particular line may decline without requiring retention. For example: Accumulated 

checks may move above the average tolerance line (shaded line), indicating a potential problem. In 

this situation, if time permits, select another sample as soon as possible to determine the status of the 

line.

40 cases 45 cases

Accept Accept Accept Retain Set Aside Accept

Start OK OK OK Out for 5 OK

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When sampling poor quality product, recurring retentions on the same line or back-to-back retentions 

on two or three different lines may make it impossible for the grader to keep up with minimum 

sampling requirements on all lines. In such situations, give priority to lines with the highest volume in 

an effort to minimize the amount of product which could be retained or set aside. 

708.4d Assuring That Minimum Sampling Requirements are Met 

The grader is to calculate average sampling intervals for each line as soon as practical after each shift 

is completed. This requires that production figures for the previous day’s shift be available to the 

grader no later than the following workday. Instructions for calculating average sampling intervals are 

shown in QAD 708.7i.

708.5 Lot Numbering, Expiration Dating, and Plant Number Verifications.

708.5a Lot Numbering Consumer Packages 

All cartons, overwraps, and other types of consumer packages bearing the USDA grademark require 

legible lot numbering on the consumer package. The lot number is the consecutive day of the year 

(Julian date) (Exhibit I) on which the eggs were packed, such as 042, 155, etc. This number must have 

three digits. For numbers less than 100, the lot number is expressed as 009, 087, etc. 

Alternate lot numbering systems may be approved by the supervisor. For example, some companies 

use specific codes (Alpha-Numeric, Day/Month/Year format, Month/Day/Year format, MM/DD/YY 

format, etc.), as long as the company explains the lot numbering system to the supervisor, and the 

alternative lot numbering system can be maintained in an acceptable fashion, it may be approved. A 

written description of the alternate lot numbering system must be presented to the scheduled grader 

and maintained in file folder 2. In plants where a shift normally works past midnight, the entire shift 

may elect to use the lot number corresponding to the day of the year on which the shift ends. 

708.5b Expiration Dating (Domestic Market Policy)

Expiration dating on packaging material officially identified with the grademark is optional and is the

responsibility of management. Expiration dates, company codes, etc., used by the packer or retailer for 

purposes such as stock rotation or inventory control, do not require departmental approval and may be

used provided they are not misleading. However, the use of expiration dates on packing and packaging

requires an appropriate qualifying prefix. If the expiration dating is used on both packing and 

packaging material, the dates must match.

The regulations state, “Compliance with the regulations in this part shall not excuse failure to comply 

with any other Federal, or any State, or municipal applicable laws or regulations.” Compliance with 

applicable State regulatory labeling requirements for use of an expiration date or stock rotation date is 

the responsibility of the distributor/packer. 

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Qualifying prefixes such as:

• EXP 

• Expiration date 

• Sell by 

• Not to be sold after date on end of carton 

• Purchase by 

• Last sale date on end of carton or other similar language denotes stock 

rotation

The dates associated with these prefixes are to be calculated from the date the eggs are originally

packed into the container and may not exceed 30 days including the day of pack. 

Qualifying prefixes such as:

• Use before

• Use by 

• Best before

• Best by

• Best if used by or other similar language generally indicates the maximum 

time frame for expected quality 

The dates associated with these prefixes are to be calculated from the date the eggs are packed into the 

container and may not exceed 45 days including the day of pack. 

*For export expiration dating refer to: Exports Section E-01e or the country specific instruction (EXX)

708.5c USDA Plant Number, Lot Number, and Expiration Date Application 

The USDA plant number, lot number, and expiration date, when applicable, must be correct and 

legible before the product leaves the plant. Graders are to constantly observe these items and obtain 

immediate correction when not in compliance. As a guide to determine acceptable legibility on 

consumer containers, the grader is to check ten containers in each sample, regardless of the number of 

eggs in each container. For example: If there are nine, 1-dozen cartons in a sample, the grader should 

select one additional carton to make a total of ten. If 6-egg pack consumer containers are being 

sampled, the grader will check only ten containers, even though the 100-egg sample would require 

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examination of 17 containers. For uniformity, the first ten, 6-egg packs should be used to determine 

acceptable legibility. Acceptance and rejection criteria are based on the following plans: 

1. Accept – one container with information completely missing (10 percent). 

Reject – two containers with information completely missing (20 percent).

2. Accept – three containers with information partially missing (30 percent). 

Reject – four containers with information partially missing (40 percent). 

3. Accept – one container with information which is completely missing and two 

containers with information partially missing (30 percent). 

4. Reject – any product exceeding QAD 708.5c 3. acceptable levels.

As a result, the plan allows:

- 10 percent missing. 

- 30 percent partially missing. 

- 30 percent in combination with not more than 10 percent completely missing. 

For large consumer containers of 60 eggs or more, only the sample containers should be checked for 

acceptable legibility. If either of the sample containers has missing or partially missing information, 

eight additional samples should be assessed for acceptability or rejection.

These tolerances apply to online and stationary lot sampling procedures. Acceptance of plant number, 

lot number, and expiration date legibility is to be recorded on Forms LP-75s, in the “carton stamp” row 

(See Example #3). A checkmark (✓) must be used to indicate an acceptable sample, while an “X” 

must be used to indicate that the sample was unacceptable. Any reference regarding a retention due to 

incorrect or illegible items must be explained in the comment log section of Form LP-75. For 

retentions resulting from unacceptable plant number, lot number, and expiration date legibility, if the 

cause of the retention can be isolated to a portion of the lot, (i.e. a specific packing head) then only that 

portion of the lot will be retained.

Example #3 

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708.6 Recording and Evaluation of Sampling Results 

708.6a Forms

The LP-75: Shell Egg Online Candling Record will be used for recording sampling results. Livestock 

and Poultry (LP) Program currently maintains four distinct versions of this form (LP-75, LP-75A, 

LP-75B, LP-75C). Each version is detailed below. Throughout the remainder of this series, only the 

LP-75 will be used to generically reference on-line sampling worksheets. (Exhibit II).

1. Use Form LP-75 to record samples of product being packed to meet U.S. Grade AA 

or U.S. Grade A requirements. 

2. Use Form LP-75A to record samples of product being packed for an approved 

specification. Checks may not exceed 4 percent average tolerance, with a maximum 

of 8 percent as the individual case tolerance. 

3. Use Form LP-75B to record samples of product being packed for an approved 

specification. Checks may not exceed 5 percent average tolerance, with a maximum 

of 8 percent as the individual case tolerance. 

4. Use Form LP-75C as a continuation page for form LP-75. This form provides more 

space for additional samples to be recorded but does not have the sections for 

recording comments and wash water/cooler temperatures. 

5. The front of the forms is divided, with space to record nine samples on each side. 

6. Normally, only two or three lines (sizes) will be recorded on one form. For example: 

U.S. Grade A Extra Large on the left half, U.S. Grade A Large on the right half, and 

U.S. Grade A Medium on the back. 

a) If the grader anticipates that more than 9 samples will be examined from the same 

line during the shift, one form may be utilized by beginning on the left and 

continuing across the right half to record up to 18 samples.

b) For secondary lines from which only a few samples are anticipated, sampling 

results from more than one line may be entered on either the left or right half of 

the LP-75. Space for at least three samples should be reserved for each size 

(Example #4).

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Example #4: Recording Secondary Lines 

708.6b Tolerances

1. To assist the grader in quickly verifying compliance in Sections II, III, and IV after 

each sample is completed, the average tolerance (shaded line) and individual case 

tolerance (top space) are “built-in” on Form(s) LP-75. In these three sections, the 

“one egg over” allowance has been incorporated, which means that the top space 

becomes an action level indicator. Product is acceptable (one egg over) when the top 

space is filled, but not acceptable when the top space is exceeded.

2. Sections I and V do not have a built-in action level indicator since non-compliances 

for grade and weight factors are generally quite infrequent. However, the grader must 

verify that average and individual case tolerance requirements are met in these 

sections after each sample is completed.

a) Section I - Grade

i. The moving average for U.S. Grade AA or A, as applicable, must be 87 or better 

with no individual case below 77. 

ii. The moving average for B* cannot exceed 1 percent and no case can exceed 3 

percent. The first sample may not exceed two B* eggs including the one egg 

over allowance.

b) Section V - Individual Underweight Eggs 

i. The moving average for individual underweight eggs cannot exceed 3.3 percent, 

with no case exceeding 5 percent. The first sample may not exceed three 

individual underweight eggs. The one egg over allowance does not apply to 

underweight eggs. 

ii. There is no tolerance for individual underweight eggs that are 2 weight classes 

below the stated weight (e.g.: Medium in an XL pack).

c) Section VI - Container Weight

i. There is no tolerance for individual containers which weigh less than the 

minimum net weight for the size involved. 

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3. At the beginning of each shift, or when a new line is started during the same shift, 

individual case tolerances are tightened on Form(s) LP-75 for the first sample (second 

and third samples for some factors) in Sections II, III, and IV.

By providing product which meets the tightened “startup” tolerances, the plant may 

immediately ship all product represented by the first sample when it is completed. 

Product represented by each subsequent satisfactory sample will also be released for 

immediate shipment, provided individual case tolerances are not exceeded in any 

section.

When production or sampling on a previously started line stops and then later resumes 

on the same shift, it may continue as the same line, without reverting back to a first 

sample “startup” tightened tolerance. Any retention of product would be back to the 

place where the line resumed.

4. The first sample tightened tolerances are to be marked off in Sections II, III, and IV 

with diagonal lines through the spaces outlined with bold lines (Examples #5 and #6).

Example #5: Form LP-75 (all sizes except Jumbo)

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Example #6: Jumbo Only (Form LP-75) 

For Jumbo, (LP-75), the only difference is in Section II (checks), where two spaces instead of four are 

marked off on the first sample. The tolerances in Sections III and IV are marked off the same as 

shown in example #5. 

NOTE: If the first sample is unsatisfactory (retained), the startup tolerances are applicable to the 

second sample, and the appropriate spaces are to be blocked off in Sections II, III, and IV. 

708.6c Carryover 

When the results for any sample approach the individual tolerance (top space) in Sections II, III, or IV, 

the designated plant employee is to be advised that improvement is needed to avoid a possible 

retention on the next sample. To emphasize the need for improvement, the results of the previous 

sample are used to determine the maximum allowable tolerance on the next sample.

This system, called “carryover,” is designed to prevent acceptance of product represented by several 

consecutive samples which exceed average tolerance requirements.

When the average tolerance in Sections II, III, or IV is exceeded on any sample, the number of spaces by 

which the shaded line is exceeded in each section must be “carried over” to the next sample. In effect, this 

means that better quality product must be provided (at least meeting the average tolerance requirement) to 

avoid a retention situation. If corrective action is not initiated, or is not successful, and the next sample 

exceeds the individual case tolerance (with actual sample results added to the carryover), retention would 

be necessary.

In a retention situation, the sample which caused the retention is disregarded and the carryover is from the 

last acceptable sample before the retention. 

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Example #7: Form LP-75, Section II

(Carryover shown for samples 2 and 3) 

Sample 1 2 3 

In the first sample, four checks which fill eight spaces (including the four lined out spaces) were found. 

This is three spaces above the average tolerance line (5 percent). Therefore, the carryover of 3 is 

shown with an “X” in the bottom three spaces on the second sample. 

Four checks were found in the second sample which fills seven spaces (including the three lined out 

spaces). This is two spaces above the average tolerance line, so the bottom two spaces on the third 

sample are marked with an “X” to show the carryover. 

Example #8: Form LP-75, Section III

Sample 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

NOTE: See QAD 710.1d Defect Abbreviations for loss abbreviation descriptions.

In the first sample, which fills five spaces (including the three lined out spaces), one LS was found. 

This is four spaces above the average tolerance line (.50 percent), resulting in a carryover of 4 to the 

second sample.

In the second sample, a dirty egg was found (recorded in spaces 5 and 6). Five spaces are now filled 

above the average tolerance line, requiring a carryover of 5 to the third sample. 

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NOTE: In Example #8 one dirty, leaker, or large spot loss egg in sample 3 would cause retention 

(individual case tolerance would be exceeded).

In sample 8, three dirty eggs were found causing retention because the individual case tolerance of two 

dirty eggs was exceeded.

In sample 10, three leaker eggs were found causing retention because the individual case tolerance of 

two leaker eggs was exceeded.

In sample 12, which is acceptable, two dirty eggs and one LS egg were found. Since there is no 

carryover, a total of three undergrade eggs are permitted in this section provided there are not more 

than two dirty eggs or two leaker eggs in the sample.

Example #9: Form LP-75, Section IV

Sample 1 2 3 4 5 6 

The LS recorded in Section III on the first sample (Example #8) must also be recorded three times in 

Section IV. This fills five spaces (including the two lined out spaces), which is four spaces above the 

average tolerance line (.33 percent). Therefore, a carryover of 4 is required for the second sample.

NOTE: In Example #9, one “LS” in the second sample would cause retention (individual case 

tolerance of 2 eggs would be exceeded). 

If no LS eggs are found in samples 2 through 5, the carryover is reduced by 1 on successive samples 

until, on sample 6, there is no carryover.

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Example #10: Form LP-75, Carryover When Retention Is Involved

The nine checks found in sample number 5 would cause retention. The carryover (three spaces 

blocked off) for sample number 6 is from sample 4. 

NOTE: QAD 708.6c describes carryover following a retention. 

708.7 Completing Form(s) LP-75 (see Exhibit II as guide)

708.7a General Information Section

• Page Numbering – Use this section to keep pages in order when multiple worksheets are 

used. Please enter the current page’s number followed by the total number of 

worksheets used during the shift.

• Graders Duty Hours – Enter the actual clock hours for when the shift started and ended.

• Date – Enter the date the worksheet was used to record sampling data.

• Code – Enter the corresponding Julian date.

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• Grader – The grader should legibly print and/or sign their name.

• Plant – Record the production plant’s name.

• No. – Record the production plant’s official plant number.

• Machine – If the production plant has more than one machine, identify the machine the 

samples were taken from.

708.7b Line / Sample Identity Section

• U.S. Grade & Size – Identify the grade and size of eggs being sampled.

• Brand – Record the brand name of the container being sampled.

 A record of the various brands of consumer containers packed in the plant, with an 

appropriate abbreviation for each, is to be maintained by the grader in file 2.

• Exp. – Record the expiration (or use by) date applied to the containers being sampled.

• Time – Show the time the sample was returned to the line.

• Start / Stop – Use this field to record starts and stops on specific lines that may account 

for variations in sampling periods.

• Carton Stamp – Use this section to verify Plant Number, Lot Number, and Expiration 

Date application and legibility on consumer containers.

 A checkmark is used to indicate an acceptable sample, while an “X” is used to 

indicate the sample was rejected.

• Egg Stamp Legibility – When individual egg stamping is required, use this section to 

record illegible stamp impressions for lot average and/or individual sample tolerance 

tracking.

• Packer No. – Record the packing lane number from where the selected sample was 

packed.

• Package Size – Record the consumer container size being sampled. (1 doz, 18 egg, 6 

pack, 5 doz, etc.)

• Retain / Size – When retentions are necessary, record the total number of containers 

retained / and the size of the individual cases or containers.

• Sample No. – Record the sample number in sequence without regard for retentions.

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708.7c Section I (Grade)

• AA – Record number of Grade AA eggs found in sample. If eggs are identified as 

Grade A, it is not necessary to record Grade AA eggs separately unless required by 

specification.

• A – Record number of Grade A eggs found in sample. If eggs are identified as Grade 

A, it is permissible to record “Grade A or better” in this section.

• Bi – Record number of Grade B interior eggs found in sample using slash marks.

• Be – Record number of Grade B exterior eggs found in sample using slash marks.

• B* – Record all B* eggs found in sample using “S” for small blood spots, “A” for over 

3/8-inch air cells, and “Y” for serious yolk defects.

708.7d Section II (Checks)

Record single checkmarks to represent individual checked eggs in this section. Use appropriate 

carryover as described in QAD 708.6c. The action level indicator will assist with retentions. 

The shaded line across the 5 percent space on Forms LP-75, LP-75B and LP-75C, and the 4 percent 

space on Form LP-75A, is the average tolerance level for all sizes except Jumbo. When sampling 

Jumbo eggs on Form LP-75, disregard the shaded line and use the 7 percent line as the average 

tolerance line (“J” shown across seventh space). When sampling Jumbo eggs on Forms LP-75A and 

LP-75B, use the average lot tolerance permitted in the applicable approved commercial specification.

708.7e Section III (Dirty, Leakers, and Loss) 

The average tolerance level is shown in the shaded line across the bottom (.50 percent) on Form 

LP-75. Each space represents .50 percent, rather than 1 percent, so each egg found must be recorded 

twice.

Record all dirty eggs with the letter “D.” Alternatively, to further identify the type of dirty egg, use the 

following abbreviations: “DA” for dirty adhering, “DF” for dirty fecal, “DS” for dirty stain, and “DY” 

for dirty yolk/albumen. Record leaker eggs with an “LK,” and other types of loss with the appropriate 

abbreviation, see QAD 710.1d. 

If the individual case tolerance is exceeded on any sample, record any additional eggs above the top 

space, using the appropriate symbol. No individual case shall exceed two dirty eggs or two leaker 

eggs. 

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Any large meat or blood spots over a 1/8-inch diameter (LS) recorded in Section III must also be 

recorded in Section IV with three marks, see Example #8 and #9, sample 1 and Example #11, sample 

2. 

LOSS EGGS OTHER THAN “LS” OR “LK” ARE NOT PERMITTED.

IF FOUND IN AN OFFICIAL SAMPLE; IMMEDIATE RETENTION IS REQUIRED ON 

PRODUCT REPRESENTED BY THE PARTICULAR SAMPLE.

708.7f Section IV (Large Spots (LS)) 

The average tolerance level is shown in the shaded line across the bottom (.33 percent) on Form LP75. Each space represents .33 percent, rather than 1 percent, so each LS egg found must be recorded 

three times.

When a LS egg causes the individual case tolerance to be exceeded on any sample, continue with 

check marks above the top space to record that egg. Record any additional LS eggs found in the 

sample with a single slash mark above or to the right of the check marks for each egg.

708.7g Section V (Individual Underweight Eggs)

• One size down under weights - The top row in Section V is used to record individual 

underweight eggs in the next lower weight class only (ex: LG in an XL pack). Slash

marks should be used to record underweight eggs.

• Two sizes down under weights - The bottom row in Section V is used to record 

individual underweight eggs that are 2 weight classes below the stated weight (ex: Med 

in an XL pack). Recording any eggs on this row will result in a retention. Slash marks 

should be used to record underweight eggs.

708.7h Section VI (Case or Container Weights) 

Weigh a minimum of two containers (one dozen cartons or other consumer sized containers) from each 

sample. Record in Section VI the net weight of each container. The weight should be adequate for the 

package size recorded above. If either of the containers are within .25 ounce of the stated weight of the 

consumer container involved, at least two more containers are to be weighed and recorded (above or 

below the two spaces in Section VI).

THERE IS NO TOLERANCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTAINERS WHICH WEIGH LESS THAN 

THE MINIMUM NET WEIGHT FOR THE SIZE INVOLVED.

708.7i Sampling Summary Section (reverse side)

• Grade / Size – Record the applicable grade and size.

• No. Cases Retained – Record number of cases retained of the applicable grade and size.

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• Brand / Station – Record the brand(s) involved, and if applicable, the packing station or 

other information to identify the line.

• Cases Packed – Record the total cases (converted to 30 dozen) packed on this line for 

the shift involved, including product retained based on unsatisfactory samples. Do not 

include product which has not been sampled yet (set aside for stationary lot sampling).

• No. Samples – Record the total number of samples examined from this line including 

unsatisfactory samples.

• One Sample Per (__) Cases – Divide the cases packed by the number of samples to 

determine the average interval. Round to the nearest whole number and show in the 

bracketed space.

If, on any line, the average interval exceeds the minimum requirement of 1 sample for each 100 cases 

produced, the grader must increase the number of samples taken on that line the next day (assuming 

the volume produced on that line is approximately the same), to assure that the 1 sample per 100 case 

average interval is met. Product will not be held for additional sampling. 

When the average sampling interval exceeds 1 sample for each 100 cases produced, on any line on 

more than two occasions during any week, the grader must notify the supervisor. If necessary, the 

supervisor will arrange for additional staffing on a temporary basis and will review the need for 

increased staffing on a permanent basis.

708.7j Washing / Sanitizing Section

• Time – Record the time that washer and sanitizer verifications were completed. At a 

minimum, verifications should be recorded twice per shift, within 30 minutes of 

startup at the beginning of the shift and after lunch, for each washer and sanitizer

unit.

• Egg Temp – For each shift, record a minimum of two internal egg temperatures taken 

before the eggs enter the washer. This is to assure that the wash water temperature is at 

least 20° Fahrenheit warmer than the temperature of the eggs.

• Pre-Rinse Temp °F – Record the temperature of the pre-rinse water.

• Washer Temp – Record the temperature of the wash water for each washer.

• Sanitizer PPM – Record liquid sanitizer strength in PPM Chlorine or equivalent.

• Sanitizer Temp – Record the temperature of the sanitizer spray water. Additionally, 

space must be made to record final rinse water temperature if it is a separate process 

from the sanitizer spray.

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• UV Y/N – Document that the UV sanitizing system was verified to be operational and 

functioning properly. Record “Y” for yes or “N” for no.

• UV Hours – Through document and data reviews, verify that the bulbs installed in the 

UV sanitizing system are operating within the manufacture’s stated maximum number 

of hours. Record a checkmark (or other data approved by the supervisor) to indicate it 

has been verified the bulbs have not exceeded their maximum recommended 

operational hours. At a minimum, bulb hours should be recorded on the LP-75 

once each month for comparison to the previous month’s hours. Discrepancies 

must be addressed with plant management and the supervisor.

• Time Wash Water Was Changed – Record wash water changes as necessary. On 

continuous type washers, the water must be changed once during each shift 

(approximately every 4 to 5 hours), at the end of each shift, and/or more frequently if 

necessary.

708.7k Cooler Section

• Temp – Record cooler temperatures. Temperatures for each cooler are to be checked 

twice (approximately every 4 to 5 hours) during the production shift. 

• Time – Record the time cooler temperatures are verified.

708.7l Comment log

Use this area to make comments on any pertinent or unusual activities that are not covered in other 

areas of the worksheet. This may include sanitation deficiencies during processing, safety hazards, 

explanations of down time, etc. 

708.7m Restricted / Inedible Labeling

Indicate whether proper labeling and denaturing is in place for restricted and inedible eggs. If a nonconformance is observed for this, indicate in the comment log what corrective actions were taken.

708.7n Scale Verifications

Indicate that case, container, and individual egg scales were properly verified with acceptable test 

weights. 

708.8 Retention Action

708.8a Cumulative Sampling Results

After each sample is completed, product packed to that point is either accepted or retained, based on 

that sample’s cumulative results. 

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Example #11 

Explanation of Example #11 

 Sample #1: 6 checks, 1 dirty - acceptable.

 Sample #2: 5 checks, 1 LS -not acceptable, top space filled in 2 sections (II and III). 

 Sample #3: (Carryover is from sample #1) 4 checks, 1 LS - acceptable.

 Sample #4: 4 checks - acceptable.

Sample #5 3 checks - acceptable.

Sample #6 9 checks, 1 LS - acceptable.

Sample #7 4 checks, 1 LS - acceptable (top space filled in Section III and IV by same egg). 

Sample #8 7 checks - not acceptable, individual case tolerance exceeded in Section II.

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 Sample #9: (Carryover is from sample 7) 6 checks, 1 LS - not acceptable, individual case 

tolerance exceeded in Sections III and IV (caused by same egg). 

 Sample #10: (Carryover is from sample 7) 5 checks - acceptable.

 Sample #11: (Carryover shown from sample 10.) 

The one egg over allowance has been incorporated as part of the individual case tolerance in Sections 

II, III, and IV. When the top space has been exceeded in any of these sections, retention is required. 

Retention is also required when the top space is filled in two sections, except when caused by the same 

egg (LS), in Sections III and IV, (see Example #11, sample 7). 

If the top space has not been filled in Sections II, III, or IV, the one egg over allowance has not been 

used and may be applied, if needed, to the moving averages for AA, A, B, or B*, as applicable, in 

Section I. Retention is required if the moving average or individual case tolerance for any quality 

(AA, A, B, or B*) is not in compliance. 

In Section V, individual underweight eggs, retention is required if the moving average exceeds 3.3 

percent, or the individual case tolerance exceeds 5 percent. Retention, when required, will always be 

from the point where the non-compliance sample is returned to the line, back to where the last 

acceptable sample was returned to the line.

When retention action is required, circle the non-compliance, with a contrasting color, in the applicable 

section(s). Lining out the entire sample from top to bottom will help assure that the carryover for each 

section is correctly shown from the previous acceptable sample and that moving averages are correctly 

computed for Sections I and V. 

All quality and weight data of any non-compliance sample is eliminated from the cumulative totals.

Show the number and size of containers retained in the space marked “retain/size” immediately above 

“Sample No.” Additionally, document each retention on the LP-516: Product Retention Log (Exhibit 

III). Continue to consecutively number subsequent samples without regard to retention action. 

(Example: If sample 2 is out of compliance, the next sample would be 3.) 

Reminder: When the first sample is out of compliance, the tightened tolerances are applicable to the 

second sample, and the appropriate spaces are to be blocked off accordingly. 

NOTE: Some plants may have a policy which is stricter than the USDA tolerance regarding the 

maximum number of checks in an individual sample. For example: The USDA individual case 

tolerance for checks is 10 percent, but a plant may wish to retain product when an individual sample 

exceeds 7 percent checks.

If the plant provides the grader with a letter specifically stating their policy on individual case 

tolerances (sizes, brands, etc.), and requests that USDA follow the more restrictive tolerances, the 

grader will officially retain any product which exceeds the plant’s tolerances. Appropriate carryovers 

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would be shown accordingly on the online sampling form. If the plant chooses not to formalize their 

policy by providing the grader with a letter, USDA tolerances will apply regardless of what retention 

action the plant may take. 

If a plant is packing a line of U.S. consumer grade product and the number of checks or other noncompliance factors is approaching retention levels, the plant may voluntarily ask that product from the 

last sample interval be set aside for sampling as a stationary lot. This is permissible, and appropriate 

carryovers would be shown accordingly on the LP-75. 

708.8b Use of USDA HOLD Tag – Form LP-36

1. Tags Applied for Product Identification and Control 

Each grader is required to have a supply of hold tags. They are to be used only when necessary and 

never indiscriminately to resolve small problems within the plant. It is mandatory to retain mislabeled 

product or product not meeting the assigned grade, with an official USDA HOLD tag, before the grader 

leaves the plant at the end of the shift. It is extremely difficult for plant personnel to know the location 

of a retained lot of packaged product without some form of identification. Each grader is to advise the

designated plant contact each time these tags are used to prevent any misunderstanding between 

management and grading personnel.

2. How Tags Are to Be Used

The USDA HOLD tag must be placed on product which has been found to be unacceptable for 

shipping. Keep it attached to the product until it is regraded, the official identification is removed, or 

the product is otherwise made acceptable. 

The USDA HOLD tag must be used on officially identified product which has been processed under 

unsanitary conditions. Product that is evidently adulterated will be handled according to QAD 703.4b. 

USDA HOLD tags are not to be used on equipment. 

 3. Use of Tags

• Graded product that does not meet the marked grade or weight class.

• Incorrectly labeled graded product.

• Product produced on equipment not satisfactorily cleaned. 

• Incorrectly labeled or denatured inedible.

• Incorrectly labeled restricted eggs.

• Any packaging material bearing unauthorized grade labeling. 

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4. Completing information required on a hold tag

The date and appropriate reason such as “Hold for regrading” will be written on the upper and lower 

portions of the tag each time one is used. Attach the upper portion of the tag to the product and retain 

the lower portion in the grader’s file until the corrections have been made. Then both portions of the 

tag are to be destroyed. Tags used to move product under retention between shell egg plants may be 

destroyed after communicating to the grader issuing them that the product has been satisfactorily

handled. 

5. USDA Hold Tape 

Each grader is required to have a supply of “Product under USDA Hold” tape. It is to be used in 

conjunction with USDA HOLD tags to identify and control retained product. After product is released 

from retention, make sure that all hold tags and hold tape are removed from the lot.

6. Product Retention Log (Form LP-516) 

To assure proper control and disposition of retained lots, graders are required to document product 

retentions on the LP-516: Product Retention Log. The log includes the date, grade and size, number 

and size of containers retained, reason for retention, applicable brand/code date, hold tag number (if

used), and final product disposition and date. Complete form LP-516 as follows: 

Date: Enter the date that the retention occurred.

Product Type: Enter the grade and size of the product, along with the brand(s) of the retained product 

if applicable.

Lot No.: Enter the Julian date of production of the retained lot of eggs. 

Type and Size of Container: Enter the smallest size container within the lot. For example, a 15dozen

case containing 1dozen cartons would be entered as “1dz.” 

Number of Containers: Enter the number of physical containers of product. For example, a lot of 

150/15 dozen cases containing 1dozen cartons would be entered as “150/15dz”; A pallet with 250 2 

dozen cartons stacked on divider sheets would be entered as “250/2dz.” 

Reason for Retention: Enter the reason for retention including percentage of quality or size defects. 

For example, “5% dirty yolk” or “10% individual underweight egg.”

Tag No.: If used, enter the serial number(s) on the hold tags used to identify and control product. If no 

tag is used, enter “No Tag.” 

Retained By: The grader or SES inspector retaining product will initial here at the time of retention. 

Product Disposition: Describe the disposition of the product, including the date of disposition. If 

necessary, document more than one disposition across multiple days. Additional rows may be utilized 

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for longer descriptions. All cases must be accounted for before product is released. For example, 

200/30dz cases reworked across three days:

1/1/22 - 125/30dz cases reworked, re-graded, and released.

1/2/22 - 50/30dz cases reprocessed into current production. 

1/3/22 - 25/30dz cases placed into inedible. 

Product may be removed from USDA identified packaging and placed into non-identified consumer 

packaging only if the product does not exceed U.S. Grade B tolerances. Likewise, product may only 

be relabeled as restricted product if it does not exceed Shell Egg Surveillance (SES) tolerances for 

restricted product (5% leakers, 1% loss). 

Released By: The grader or SES inspector overseeing the release will initial here only when all cases 

have met final disposition and the product is released. 

7. Disappearance of USDA HOLD Tags or Product

In the event that a USDA HOLD tag is lost or removed without authorization, it must first be

determined if all retained product is accounted for. If any amount of product is missing, the grader 

must contact their supervisor for further guidance. If all product is accounted for, gather all pertinent 

information about the product and the incident (i.e., amount of product, location of product, retention 

procedures, how/why tag was lost, etc.) and contact the supervisor for further guidance. Additionally, a 

new USDA HOLD tag is to be affixed to the product to replace the tag(s) that were lost.

The unauthorized shipment of any retained product or the disappearance of any product under hold is a 

violation of the Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA) and must be reported immediately to your 

supervisor. 

708.8c Handling Retained Product 

Product that is retained and does not meet any exemptions below, must be reworked and re-graded or 

otherwise handled to assure that it is brought into compliance. Rework, re-regrading, and release of 

retained product must be accomplished by one of the following methods: 

1. Reworked, Re-graded, and Released - During on-line sampling, product that is 

retained due to a combination of individual sample and a previous sample results 

that exceeds the lot average tolerance, must be completely re-worked prior to regrading. On the LP-75, this would mean 6% or more checks, or any 

dirts/leakers/loss in the previous sample would disqualify a retained lot of eggs from 

being regraded without being fully reworked. On the LP-75A or LP-75B, the 

maximum average check tolerance is indicated by the worksheet. Section II is 

independent from Sections III or IV in this regard. For example, exceeding the lot 

average tolerance for checks would not disqualify a subsequent sample retained for 

dirts from being regraded without being fully reworked.

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Note the following exceptions: 

• Since non-compliances in Sections I and V are generally infrequent, product 

retained on the basis of grade and weight factors may be re-graded without 

reworking the lot. 

• If the first sample exceeds the top space in Sections II, III or IV, the product 

may be re-graded without re-working the lot. If subsequent samples are retained 

for the same factors, without acceptable samples in between, this indicates a 

recurring problem over several samples. Retentions that occur back-to-back that 

include the first sample must be combined into one lot and must be fully 

reworked before regrading. 

NOTE: If product fails a re-grade for any reason, the entire lot must be re-worked 

prior to subsequent re-grading requests. 

Re-grading of retained product must be on a lot or sublot basis with a full 

representative sample graded prior to release. If management desires to keep the lot 

intact and have it regraded as such, the lot may be reworked by removing all eggs 

that were not properly graded or by re-processing the entire lot as an intact unit. 

Reworking must include all packages within the lot if the entire lot is offered for regrading. However, if the grader determines that the cause of the retention can be 

isolated to a portion of the lot, (i.e. damage due to a specific packing head) then 

only that portion of the lot must undergo reworking prior to re-grading the entire lot. 

Additionally, retained eggs may be blended with eggs currently being processed and 

sampled online accordingly. 

2. Removed Eggs from Original Packaging Material and Labeled as “Restricted Eggs” - 

The eggs can only be labeled as restricted if they meet restricted egg tolerances for 

loss and re-grading is limited to verifying these tolerances. Loose packed product 

may be relabeled as “restricted eggs” and released provided official identification on 

the original packaging material is obliterated. 

3. Transport to another Location for Reworking - In most instances, the movement will 

be to another packer or an egg products plant. The following steps are to be taken 

when transporting retained product: retained product sent to official egg breaking 

plants will be considered released once loaded and sealed.

• Determine the name and address of the handler where the product will be

shipped. Verify that plant management has contacted the applicable destination 

supervisor or FSIS representative to arrange for the supervision of reworking, 

relabeling, processing or other final disposition of the product.

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• Prepare a Retained Product Transfer/Release Memorandum (Exhibit IV) to 

accompany the shipment to the destination location. To facilitate the return of

the transfer/release memorandum and USDA HOLD tags, the origin plant’s 

mailing address is to be placed on the memorandum. 

Additionally, the memorandum is to include the packer’s name, number of cases 

involved, the hold tag numbers, and date of retention. The original copy of the 

memorandum is to accompany the retained product. One copy is to be placed in 

the grader’s file (4b). 

• Once the product has been reworked and the tags removed, the destination 

grader or inspector will return the completed transfer/release memorandum as 

well as the upper portion(s) of the LP-36: USDA HOLD tag(s) advising that the

product was received and indicating its disposition.

708.8d Sampling Retained Product 

All retained product must remain under the grader’s control (USDA Hold tag) until one of the 

following conditions are met. 

1. When the plant requests a full representative sampling of product retained on the 

basis of an online sample(s), the grader will select the required number of samples 

using stationary lot sampling procedures. If, during the course of the re-grading 

process, and prior to completion of the required number of samples for a full 

representative sample, the sample results exceed the lot average or an individual 

case tolerance for the stated grade, the re-grading may be discontinued and the 

product will remain under retention. Product that fails a re-grade must be 

completely re-worked again before another re-grading is permitted. For each lot, 

show information regarding product identity, how the lot is stacked, location 

where samples are to be taken, etc., on a sample selection worksheet. Grading 

data is to be recorded on the LP-211: Poultry Products Grading Memorandum. 

The retention period for LP-211’s which are used to record samples of retained 

product only (no certificate issued) will be the same as the retention period for 

Form LP-75. 

2. STATIONARY LOT GRADINGS CANNOT TAKE PRIORITY OVER ONLINE 

SAMPLING. Depending on the grader’s workload, requests for stationary lot 

grading of retained online product may involve overtime and/or additional 

staffing. If overtime is incurred on a regular basis due to re-grading of retained 

product causing excessive overtime hours, the grader is to contact the supervisor 

to determine whether additional staffing is warranted. 

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3. Sizes May Not Be Combined Under Any Circumstances. 

• Different grades may not be combined, unless the plant agrees that all product 

must meet the requirements of the highest grade. 

• All product of the same grade and size retained for the same factor may be 

combined into one stationary lot for sampling. For example: During the same 

shift, 4 separate samples of U.S. Grade A Large exceed the check tolerance, 

resulting in retentions of 50, 40, 45, and 55 / 30-dozen cases. The plant may 

combine the 4 sublots into one lot of 190 cases for a full representative sample 

by the grader. 

 4. At the plant’s discretion, product retained for different factors may be combined 

into one stationary lot for sampling. For purposes of combining online sampled, 

retained product into a stationary lot for regrading, dirties, leakers, and loss are 

considered to be one factor with a combined tolerance of 0.5 percent. B quality 

and B* are separate factors because each has specific tolerances completely 

different from the other.

 5. Any prior sample containers which exceed individual case tolerances (not 

counting carryover) must be removed before initial representative sampling or any 

subsequent re-sampling is permitted. These samples must be held under retention 

and released only when action as described under item 7 below, has been 

accomplished. Other samples may be left in the lot. However, if the stationary lot 

sample selection plan identifies a previously examined sample, use the next 

container. Do not examine any sample more than one time. 

6. Each lot of retained product will be examined for and must meet requirements for 

all factors, not just the factor(s) for which the retention occurred. For example: A 

lot retained for excess checks could be found acceptable for checks, but 

out-of-compliance for another factor when fully sampled. 

• Exception - Product which is retained solely on the basis of a failure to meet 

minimum net weight requirements for individual containers, incorrect carton 

dates, or shell stamping, but meet all other requirements, may be fully sampled 

for individual container net weights, carton dates, or shell stamping 

requirements only. 

For example: 50 / 30-dozen cases of U.S. Grade A Large packed in one-dozen 

cartons are retained for one carton which weighs 23 1⁄2 ounces. If the plant 

requests full-sampling, four samples are to be selected, using stationary lot 

sampling procedures. Nine-dozen cartons are to be weighed from each of the 

four sample cases. If each of the 36 / 1-dozen cartons weigh 24 ounces or 

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more, the lot would be acceptable. Product would not be graded for quality or 

for weight of individual eggs.

Product retained for failing to meet individual underweight egg requirements 

(lot average or individual case), must be fully sampled for all quality factors 

including weight. 

7. If the Lot Fails, the Plant Has the Following Options: 

• Rework the entire lot under the supervision of the grader by removing the eggs 

from the original containers, reprocessing over mass scanning equipment, and 

resampling according to the online sampling plan, or as a stationary lot, as 

applicable; or rework the entire lot under the supervision of the grader by 

visually examining each egg in the lot by hand candling or other means so that 

the lot is essentially reworked. The reworked product is to be fully sampled as 

a stationary lot.

• Remove the eggs from the original containers, or otherwise rework the product 

without supervision, but save the containers, restricted eggs, etc., so the grader 

can verify that this has been accomplished. The exact verification procedures 

are to be approved by the supervisor. The resultant reworked product is to be 

fully sampled and graded by the grader as a stationary lot. 

• The grader verifies that the U.S. grademark or other official stamp is 

completely obliterated from all containers and/or cases. After these markings 

have been removed or obliterated and USDA HOLD tags removed, graders are 

no longer responsible for the movement or disposition of the product. 

708.9 Official Identification of On-line Product

If a U.S. grade stamp is used to identify shipping containers, each day’s production must bear the 

actual date of grading (processing), or the certificate number. 

Product identified with a USDA lot stamp which is eligible for official identification, must be restamped with the applicable consumer grade stamp bearing the date that coincides with the date shown 

in the lot stamp. Alternatively, the product may be fully sampled as a stationary lot and stamped with 

the U.S. grade stamp showing the actual date of grading or the certificate number. When the certificate 

number is used, an LP-210S certificate must be prepared and provided to plant management.

708.10 Cooler Samples

Examining cooler samples for quality serves as a valuable tool to verify candling accuracy, and 

packaged product handling practices at a plant. Each scheduled grader is to examine and record a 

minimum of three, 100-egg samples (when available) from the cooler each week to verify the accuracy 

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of their grading. Cooled eggs can be graded more accurately for quality, identity of checks, and 

damage due to packing, sealing, etc. When possible, at least one cooler sample should be that of the

grader’s previously examined on-line samples.

Eggs should be selected proportionately from grades and sizes packed. For example: If the plant’s 

cooler predominately consists of Extra Large and Large-sized product, those sizes should receive 

priority when selecting your cooler samples.

708.10a Cooler Sample Procedures

1. Selection of an officially identified; previously examined sample. Graders are not 

to perform cooler samples that were previously graded by other USDA personnel. 

The grader’s officially identified sample must always take priority over a nonsampled, officially identified cooler sample.

2. Selection of an officially identified, previously non-examined sample (when a 

previously examined cooler sample is not available). The grader must select 

officially identified product from various positions on the pallet. 

AVOID SELECTING SAMPLES CONSISTENLY FROM THE TOP LAYERS OF A PALLET.

3. Sample and determine the quality factors from the selected cooler sample(s). 

Complete the Cooler Sample Worksheet (Exhibit V) accordingly. 

4. When product fails to meet the requirements for the marked U.S. Grade standard 

(AA or A) for an individual case, plant management is to be notified of the 

cooler sample(s) results in order to determine any possible reasons for the 

apparent quality observed. The cooler sample(s) is to be retained; however, the 

product represented by the sample(s) is not to be retained. Plant management may 

elect to rework the retained product.

5. Cooler samples exceeding the restricted egg tolerances for U.S. Grade B standards 

(at origin) for an individual case must be retained. In addition, the individual 

pallet that the cooler sample(s) represents must also be retained. The product 

cannot be released until it is reworked and re-examined to ensure that it does not 

exceed the restricted egg tolerances for U.S. Grade B standards (at origin). Online sampling takes priority over re-examination of retained product due to cooler 

samples.

6. File all completed Cooler Sample Worksheets as outlined in QAD 702.

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QAD 708 Procedure

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708.11 Online Grading of Non-Identified Products (Quality Control Sampling) 

708.11a Approval 

Management may request that graders sample and grade products that are not officially identified with 

a grademark as part of a company Quality Control (QC) program. These requests are subject to 

USDA supervisory approval and will be considered only at plants where time and workloads allow. 

QC samples are not to be recorded on official sampling forms such as the LP-75 or the LP-211 but 

may be documented on non-official company forms if approved by the Regional Director. 

708.11b Identification

Because products not identified with the official U.S. Grademark are not under the regulatory authority 

of the Agricultural Marketing Act and may not have been fully sampled in accordance with online 

sampling or stationary lot grading procedures, it is a violation of the Agricultural Marketing Act to 

represent eggs graded under a QC sampling program as “Government Graded,” “Federal/State 

Graded” or other similar meanings.

708.11c Frequency

Management may request a wide variety of QC sampling types and frequencies depending on their 

needs. Samples may be taken for all quality and weight factors, or only select factors of interest. 

Samples may be taken on an infrequent basis, or as often as the grader’s workload reasonably allows. 

The sampling of non-identified products may never take precedence over any type of official grading 

or certification activities. 

708.11d Retention

Management may request in writing for QC products to be retained according to USDA retention 

policies for Grade AA/A product, or alternative retention criteria. At a minimum, any products that 

exceed the restricted egg tolerances for U.S. Grade B as outlined in 705.5c must be placed under 

retention. 

708.11e Volume Reporting 

Samples taken for QC related work must be entered into ABI or the LP-240 as outlined in 711.3c item 

10. 

708.11f Discontinuation of QC Sampling 

Supervisors may instruct graders to discontinue QC sampling at any time based on workloads, training 

requirements, or any other reason. Additionally, QC sampling must be discontinued before any 

requests for alternative sampling options may be considered. 

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QAD 708 Procedure

July 25, 2022

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708.12 Alternative Sampling Options for High Volume Plants

708.12a Quality Assurance Inspector 

When a company elects to utilize a quality assurance inspector to monitor the quality of USDA gradelabeled product under the supervision of the Official Federal/ State Grader., refer to Q-1, QUALITY 

ASSURANCE INSPECTOR PROGRAM (QAI).

Page 148
5

10

15

20

25

30

5

10

15

20

25

30

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120

125

130

135

140

145

150

155

160

165

170

175

180

185

190

195

200

205

210

215

220

225

230

235

240

245

250

255

260

265

270

275

280

285

290

295

300

305

310

315

320

325

330

335

340

345

350

355

360

365

EXHIBIT I 

DAY OF THE YEAR CHART 

DAY OF MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 

1 1 32 91 121 152 182 213 244 274

2 2 33 61 92 122 153 183 214 306 336

3 3 34 62 93 123 154 184 246 276 307 337

4 4 35 63 94 124 216 247 277 308 338

36 64 156 186 217 248 278 309 339

6 6 37 96 126 157 187 218 249 279

7 7 38 66 97 127 158 188 219 311 341

8 8 39 67 98 128 159 189 251 281 312 342

9 9 40 68 99 129 221 252 282 313 343

41 69 161 191 222 253 283 314 344

11 11 42 101 131 162 192 223 254 284

12 12 43 71 102 132 163 193 224 316 346

13 13 44 72 103 133 164 194 256 286 317 347

14 14 45 73 104 134 226 257 287 318 348

46 74 166 196 227 258 288 319 349

16 16 47 106 136 167 197 228 259 289

17 17 48 76 107 137 168 198 229 321 351

18 18 49 77 108 138 169 199 261 291 322 352

19 19 50 78 109 139 231 262 292 323 353

51 79 171 201 232 263 293 324 354

21 21 52 111 141 172 202 233 264 294

22 22 53 81 112 142 173 203 234 326 356

23 23 54 82 113 143 174 204 266 296 327 357

24 24 55 83 114 144 236 267 297 328 358

56 84 176 206 237 268 298 329 359

26 26 57 116 146 177 207 238 269 299

27 27 58 86 117 147 178 208 239 331 361

28 28 59 87 118 148 179 209 271 301 332 362

29 29 88 119 149 241 272 302 333 363

89 181 211 242 273 303 334 364

31 31 151 212 243 304

LEAP YEAR -- Advance all dates after February 29th by one day. 

Use this chart to determine the consecutive day of the year. 

Page 149
EXHIBIT II

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

J

10

AA

A 

Bi

Be

B*

AA

A 

Bi

Be

B*

10

TIME

J JJJJ JJJ

3 MA R K

21⁄2

2

11⁄2

1

1⁄2

EGG

EACH

2 M A

T W I

ϭЫ E G

ϭа EAC H

G

1 T

Ы

а

H

I

E

R K

C E

TWO S I Z E S

T

R

ME S

E

J J

LP-75 (08/2018) Supercedes Previous 75's. 

RETAIN

START

STOP

CARTON STAMP

EGG STAMP 

LEGIBILITY

PACKER NO.

SIZE

JJJJJJJ

MA R K

EACH

EGG

C H

T

MA R K

E

T I

THRE

E G

A

WI CE

а

Ы

1

1

1⁄2

2

ϭа

ϭЫ

3

21⁄2

2

11⁄2

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

E

M E S

U.S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE

SHELL EGG ONLINE CANDLING RECORD (10% CHECKS 5% AVERAGE)

EXP

BRAND

TIME

EXP

BRAND

TWO S I Z E S

RETAIN

SIZE

G

PACKAGE 

SIZE (12, 18, etc)

SAMPLE NO. SAMPLE NO.

PACKAGE 

SIZE (12, 18, etc)

PAGE OF GRADER'S DUTY HOURS TO

U.S. GRADE & SIZE: U.S. GRADE & SIZE:

DATE CODE GRADER PLANT NO. MACHINE

START

STOP

PACKER NO.

EGG STAMP 

LEGIBILITY

CARTON STAMP

I

I

I

I

I

I

V

V

V

I

I

G

R

A

D

E

C

H

E

C

K

S

D

'

L

'

L

O

S

S

C

W

T

L

S

U

I

I

I

I

I

I

V

V

V

I

I

Page 150
TIME PRE-OP, START, BREAKS, ADVISEMENTS, DOWN TIME, LUNCH

TEMP

TIME

COMMENT LOG

TIME WASH WATER 

WAS CHANGED

1 234

UV Y/N HOURS

COOLER

CARTON STAMP

EGG STAMP 

LEGIBILITY

PACKER NO.

SAMPLE NO.

RETAIN

PACKAGE 

SIZE (12, 18, etc)

SIZE

A 

AA

Bi

Be

B*

Percent

10

9

8

7 JJJJJ JJJJ

6

5

4

3

2

1

3 MA R K

21⁄2 EACH

11⁄2 T

2 EGG

1⁄2

1

ϭа EACH

2 MA R K

1 THRE

ϭЫ EGG





а T I ME S

Are carton and case scales tested 

with approved test weights and 

accurate? UNSATISFACTORY

SATISFACTORY

Ы

Are restricted eggs properly labeled 

and, inedible barrels denatured and 

labeled?

YES 

NO 

ZES

E

 SI

WI CE

TWO

LP-75 Reverse (08/2018) 

EXP

BRAND

TIME

START

STOP

U.S. GRADE & SIZE:

GRADE/SIZE

CASES PACKED NO. SAMPLES ONE SAMPLE PER

( ) CASES

CASES PACKED

GRADE/SIZE NO. CASES RETAINED

NO. SAMPLES

GRADE/SIZE NO. CASES RETAINED

BRAND/STATION

BRAND/STATION

BRAND/STATION

( ) CASES

ONE SAMPLE PER

NO. CASES RETAINED

CASES PACKED NO. SAMPLES ONE SAMPLE PER

( ) CASES

TIME

EGG TEMPERATURE

 SANITIZER

 PPM TEMP

PRE-RINSE TEMP °F

WASHER 1 

TEMPERATURE

WASHER 2 

TEMPERATURE

I

I

I

I

I

I

V

V

V

I

I

G

R

A

D

E

C

H

E

C

K

S

D

'

L

'

L

O

S

S

C

W

T

L

S

U

5

Page 151
EXHIBIT III

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PROGRAM 

PRODUCT RETENTION LOG 

Fiscal Year______________ 

DATE PRODUCT TYPE LOT 

NO. 

TYPE AND 

SIZE OF 

CONTAINER 

NUMBER 

OF 

CONTAINERS 

REASON FOR RETENTION TAG. 

NO 

RETAINED 

BY 

(Initials) 

PRODUCT DISPOSITION 

RELEASED 

BY 

(Initials) 

LP-516 (08-2018) Supersedes LPS-516. 

Page 152
EXHIBIT IV 

RETAINED PRODUCT TRANSFER / RELEASE MEMORANDUM 

DATE: _______________

TO: (Grader / Inspector at Destination Location) 

FROM: Origin Grader / Inspector (Print Name) 

SUBJECT: Retained Eggs 

Company Name & Address 

of Retention Location:

Company Name & Address 

of Destination Location:

Registration 

Number 

(if applicable)

Date 

Total 

30-Dozen

Brand

Carton/ 

Loose

Grade Size Tag Number Disposition Disposition 

Date 

REMARKS 

Name, Address, and Signature Return this memo and retained tags to: 

of Destination Grader / Inspector (Completed by Origin Grader / Inspector) 

Page 153
COOLER SAMPLE WORKSHEET

Plant Name: Plant Number:

Grader: Week of:

Date 

Sampled

Dated 

Packed

Sample 

Number Brand Name Grade / Size AA A B Dirts Checks Loss

Original

Regrade

Original

Regrade

Original

Regrade

Original

Regrade

Original

Regrade

Plant Name: Plant Number:

Grader: Week of:

Date 

Sampled

Dated 

Packed

Sample 

Number Brand Name Grade / Size AA A B Dirts Checks Loss

Original

Regrade

Original

Regrade

Original

Regrade

Original

Regrade

Original

Regrade

Comments: 

EXHIBIT V

Page 154
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 709 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022 

Service Washington, DC 20250

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QAD 709: SPECIAL GRADINGS

709.1 Partial Gradings

Partial gradings may be made in specific situations when: 

• The USDA, AMS grader (grader) is unable to select a representative sample due to

the way the cases are stacked.

• The applicant requests a smaller sample than that required by the regulations.

• The applicant selects the samples rather than the grader.

• The applicant requests the grader to stop a grading before completion of the samples

because the quality is lower than required.

• When a plant requests that the grader examine sample cases of eggs selected by the plant

from a lot of shell eggs received from another plant, the Form LP-210S is to include a

statement as follows:

“The results shown on this certificate represent the quality of (number) cases of eggs identified as 

(grade and size) presented by plant management on (date). According to the applicant, these cases 

were selected from a lot of (total number) cases of (grade and size) shell eggs received from (plant

name) on (date).” 

Note: When a partial grading is performed, only the samples examined are to be stamped. The 

certificate will show “Total Cases” and the number of “Cases Examined” as being identical.

709.2 Institutional Gradings - Contract Acceptance

When performing institutional gradings, the grader must have a copy of the purchase order or 

instructions from the procuring agency prior to performing the grading. Certification will be for all 

requirements stated in the purchase order.

709.3 Specification Gradings

An applicant for shell egg specification certification service must submit a copy of their commercial 

specification for review and approval. The information must be sent to the National Shell Egg Office. 

The following procedures apply only to shell eggs graded according to USDA approved specifications. 

The complete list of approved specifications with the current approval dates can be found on the 

USDA: QAD Shell Egg Grading Resources website.

709.3a Specification Review and Approval Process 

Upon receipt of the commercial specification, the National Office will review the information for 

approval or advise the applicant of the reason(s) for disapproval. If the specification is approved, an 

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approval letter (Exhibit I) attaching a copy of the approved specification will be returned to the 

applicant with a request to provide copies of the specification to each supplier and applicable grader(s). 

Each page of the approved specification will have an approval stamp bearing the date of approval and 

the signature of the approving official. Additionally, each page will be sequentially numbered such as 

page 1 of 5, page 2 of 5, etc. The approval letter acceptance process has taken the place of the 

previously used PY-33. Form PY-33 may still be applicable for older specifications that have not been 

recently updated. 

The original copy of the specification will be retained in the National Office. A copy of the letter and 

specification will be distributed to the QAD Grading Services Branch. The National Office will 

periodically update the list of approved specifications. All approved specifications must be treated as 

confidential at all times. Only authorized USDA representatives are to review and have access to the

specifications. Specifications will remain in the locked file cabinet when not actively in use, and must 

not be left unattended. 

709.3b Certification of Specification Requirements 

Plant management is responsible for advising graders when they are preparing to pack shell eggs in 

accordance with an approved specification. However, each grader must be familiar with the approved 

specification list and, to the extent practically possible, be aware when products with approved 

specifications are being packed at the duty location. When a plant packs product requiring compliance 

with an approved specification, the grader must obtain a copy of the specification from QAD AGNIS

(USDA only link), plant management, or their supervisor and assure that all provisions of the 

specification are met. If plant management is unable or refuses to provide a copy of the required 

specification, or states that the approved specification does not apply to product packed in the plant, the 

grader must contact the applicable supervisor, request a copy of the specification, and review the

requirements and responsibilities outlined in the specification. If necessary, the supervisor will contact 

plant management to clarify certification requirements and resolve the issue.

If the plant elects to continue production without resolving the issue(s), the grader must not interfere 

with the production. The supervisor will contact the authorized person whose name appears on the

PY-33 or official approval letter for clarification. During the interim period, there will be no 

certification of specification requirements. Should the product bear a U.S. grademark, applicable grade 

requirements must be met or retention is required on that basis.

If a plant is attempting to legitimately pack product in compliance with an approved specification and 

fails, product not meeting the provisions of the specification is to be placed under USDA retention as 

outlined in QAD 707 and QAD 708. If the product otherwise meets applicable USDA grade 

requirements and the plant desires to ship the product, plant management is to call the person 

authorized to waive specification requirements as stated on the approved specification. If a waiver is 

granted, the person authorized to waive specification requirements must provide the waiver directly to 

the grader, either verbally or in writing. The grader is to document the appropriate information on the

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applicable worksheet and certificate (if issued) and release the product. If provisions of the 

specification are waived frequently, or over an extended period of time, the grader is to notify the

supervisor who, through the Regional Director, will notify the National Office. The National Office 

will review the matter with the specification applicant and urge them to consider modifying the 

specification or terminating its approval.

As applicable, product meeting specification requirements will be identified in accordance with 

procedures outlined in the approved specification. When the specification requires the issuance of a 

grading certificate, list the title of the approved specification and current edition date in the additional 

certification section of the LP-210S.

Additionally, list any special certification statements as outlined in the approved specification. When 

appropriate, the following additional statement would be shown: 

“...except for (requirement(s) waived by (name of authorized representative) on (date).” 

709.4 Marking Individual Eggs

The marking of individual eggs may be requested by processors as part of a specification requirement 

or for other marketing purposes. For example: Eggs shipped to locations other than the continental 

United States such as the State of Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and several other 

foreign countries, are required to be individually marked. Before certifying a lot of stamped eggs, 

plant management must alert the grader of stamping requirements. Unstamped eggs found in lots of 

stamped eggs will be classified as an illegible stamp. There is no tolerance for stamped eggs in lots of 

unstamped eggs. 

709.4a Stamping Eggs 

Recognizing the difficulty in clearly stamping the rounded surface of an egg, a lot average tolerance of 

10-percent for individual eggs with partial, illegible, or no marks in any combination is permitted with 

no individual case exceeding 20-percent. Unless prohibited by specification requirements, multiple 

stamp applications are acceptable, provided at least one stamp is legible. These tolerances may be 

applied as a moving average when performing online sampling or as a lot average while performing 

stationary lot gradings. Stamped eggs are not classified as stains or dirty. They are to be graded 

without regard to marking.

An official grade cannot be assigned to a mixed lot of eggs that contains individually marked and 

unmarked eggs. If requested, the lot may be graded for all factors except ink stains. Lot averages may 

be shown on the certificate. The section “Official Grade and Size” must state “No U.S. Grade.” The 

following statement must also be placed in the “Remarks” section: “Lot contains marked and 

unmarked eggs. Eggs graded for all factors except ink stains.” Individual eggs with ink blotches or

smears from dating devices are to be classified as stains or dirty, depending on the intensity and/or 

area of the stain. 

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Inks used in marking individual eggs which will be officially graded are to be approved by the 

National Office prior to their use. Refer to the List of Approved Inks for Stamping Shell Eggs, “C – 

Compounds” (C-02) in the QAD 700 Series – Shell Eggs in QAD AGNIS and the USDA: QAD Shell 

Egg Grading Resources website. 

709.4b Laser Etching (Marking Eggs) 

The use of a laser etching system to mark information is subject to joint review by the Food and Drug 

Administration (food safety impact evaluation) and USDA (quality impact evaluation). Only approved 

laser etching systems may be used to identify shell eggs to be officially graded and identified with a 

USDA grademark. The amount of the shell surface available for laser etching and the information 

etched on the shell is subject to review by the scheduled grader and the supervisor. The information 

etched on the shell must not interfere with the graders ability to evaluate the quality attributes of the 

egg. 

When an individual egg is marked, whether an applied ink or laser etched, the information must be 

consistent with the information on the label. For example: Any marketing claims, production code, or 

packer identity. If this information is not consistent throughout the lot, the eggs are not eligible to be 

identified with a USDA grademark. 

709.5 Military or Other Special Gradings

Supplementary instructions for grading shell eggs for delivery to the military are covered under “D – 

Department of Defense” (D-02 through D-03) in the QAD 700 Series – Shell Eggs in QAD AGNIS 

and the USDA: QAD Shell Egg Grading Resources website.

709.6 Condition Inspection of Shell Eggs

Graders are not to conduct these types of inspections unless they receive guidance from a supervisor. 

For all types of condition inspections, the top portion of the certificate is filled out in the usual manner. 

709.6a Certification Covering Truck Damage 

The following information is required on a “condition” certificate issued to cover accidental truck 

damage:

1. The number of cases from which egg contents are leaking, or which show visible 

damage. Give full case and material description. 

2. In cases showing visible damage, follow the proper layer rotation and report the 

percentage of leakers and dented checks for each sample case.

3. When observed by the grader, a properly qualified statement reporting any shifting of 

the load, and the bracing type used. 

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709.6b Certification Covering Frozen Egg Damage 

The following information is required on a certificate issued to cover frozen egg damage: 

1. The opening temperature of the truck, both at floor and top level.

2. The egg case temperature.

3. The number of frozen eggs, and if freezing has caused breakage. 

709.6c Certification Covering Off-Odor Eggs or Otherwise Contaminated Eggs 

Normally, shell eggs that are allegedly contaminated with odors caused by chemicals, smoke, or other 

potentially harmful substances come under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration 

(FDA). If FDA elects not to investigate the matter, the Quality Assessment Division may be requested 

to examine the product and determine appropriate disposition of the shell eggs. In these instances, the 

following action is to be taken unless otherwise directed by the supervisor: 

1. Select a partial sample of shell eggs from various places in the lot and take to an odorfree area where an organoleptic examination can be made. Remove the eggs from the

packaging materials and attempt to determine if only the packaging materials are 

affected by the odor. Smell the egg shells, candle the eggs, and break out a few eggs 

to determine if the odor has permeated the egg shells and into the egg meat.

2. If the eggs have been subjected to fire and smoke damage, determine if any of the 

packaging materials are wet and if the eggs are contaminated with smoke or soot. 

Additionally, graders are to assure requirements outlined in QAD 703 are followed. 

In all cases when completing a “Condition” Certificate, the “Remarks” section should be utilized to 

record any additional comments which will aid in describing the condition of the eggs and packaging 

material. No official grading is required unless specifically requested. A copy of all condition 

certificates must be sent to the National Office.

709.7 U.S. Grade A or AA Interior Quality for Egg Products 

Since there are no grade standards for egg products, no designation of grade or quality is permitted. 

However, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), will allow egg product labels to bear statements 

of fact such as “Produced from Shell Eggs of U.S. Grade A (or AA) Interior Quality.” Therefore, an 

interested party may request that a lot of shell eggs, used to produce egg products, be officially certified 

for interior quality when certain conditions are met. Each lot of shell eggs must be officially graded by 

a grader and meet the following requirements:

1. The lot must meet applicable origin or destination requirements for interior quality 

and checks for U.S. Grade A or AA, as applicable.

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QAD 709 Procedure 

June 6, 2022 

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2. Exterior grade factors, except for checks, do not apply. 

3. Up to 2 percent bloody whites, large blood or meat spots, or leakers, in any 

combination, are permitted. No other loss or inedible eggs are permitted. 

4. Dirts are permitted. 

Graders may certify the quality of these shell eggs based on either online or stationary lot grading. The

grade results are to be placed on Form LP-75 or Form LP-211, as applicable. Additionally, the grader 

is to prepare the Form LP-210S grading certificate showing no U.S. grade assigned under “U.S. 

Official Grade and Size” and the following statement under “Remarks:” 

“Product covered by this certificate does (or does not) meet the criteria for U.S. Grade A (AA) interior 

quality shell eggs for the production of egg products identified with the quality statement.” 

709.8 Use of “Produced From” Labeling

Use of the wording “Produced From” in conjunction with the U.S. grademark, is limited to products 

derived from U.S. Grade AA or Grade A shell eggs for which there are no U.S. grade standards (e.g., 

in-shell pasteurized eggs or hard-cooked eggs). The procedures listed below must be used when 

monitoring the official grade identification of these types of products.

709.8a Approval 

Applicants interested in utilizing the “Produced From” labeling must submit a written proposal to the 

applicable supervisor. The proposal is to include the type(s) of product to be labeled and the 

applicant’s plan for controlling the use and labeling of officially identified product. After review by

the supervisor, the supervisor will forward the request to the Regional Director and National Office for 

final review and approval. Upon approval, the supervisor is to re-confirm all the requirements with the 

applicant prior to any actual grade identification. 

Additionally, labeling and/or packaging material bearing a pre-printed “Produced From” grademark 

requires approval by the National Office prior to use. Expiration dating and compliance with State

regulations will be the responsibility of the applicant. 

709.8b Verification Visits

To assure that only officially graded shell eggs are being used, the processing, packing, and packaging 

must be closely monitored. In plants with scheduled service, the supervisor or assistant supervisor will 

be present during the initial production period to monitor the process and verify compliance. The 

USDA grader will conduct all subsequent monitoring and verification activities with oversight from 

the supervisor. In unscheduled locations, plant management must notify the supervisor each time the 

“produced from” labeling will be used or, alternatively, provide the supervisor with a projected 

production schedule. At these locations, compliance will be based on the applicant’s established 

history of compliance as outlined in the following schedule: 

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Level 1 - The supervisor or assistant supervisor is to monitor and verify the process on the 

initial day of production. The supervisor or designee will conduct subsequent visits. At 

least one additional verification visit is to be conducted during the next 10 production days. 

If no discrepancies are noted, one visit will be conducted for each 30 days of production 

until three consecutive satisfactory visits have been completed. Once this verification 

period has ended without any noted program non-conformance, monitoring may proceed to 

Level 2. 

Level 2 - The supervisor or designee is to conduct quarterly verification visits provided the

applicant continues to meet all program requirements. If any nonconformance is noted 

during these visits, monitoring reverts to Level 1. Misuse of the labeling will result in 

cancellation of the approval.

Each verification visit must include a review of records, product inventory, processing procedures, 

packing, packaging, storage, and shipping practices to confirm that the applicant is following the 

protocol outlined in their approved plan. 

709.8c Record Keeping 

Applicants must maintain, and make available for review, all invoices or applicable Form LP-210S 

grading certificates covering product received, produced, and shipped. At a minimum, these records 

must include the name and address of original packer, amount received, quantity produced, brand 

names, lot numbers, quantity shipped and name and address of receivers. Records must be maintained 

for two (2) years.

709.8d Misuse of “Produced From” Labeling

The misuse of this labeling (i.e., placing such labels on product not “produced from officially graded”), 

constitutes a violation of the Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA). In addition, noncompliance with the

requirements of the labeling program may also result in withdrawal of the applicant’s privilege to 

identify product with the “Produced From” identification. 

709.9 Kosher Certification of Shell Eggs

Shell eggs intended for kosher certification must meet an established blood spot tolerance before 

certification can be made. Shell eggs identified and/or certified as meeting kosher requirements are 

required to contain no more than one blood spot, of any size, for each lot. No other types of blood loss 

are allowed. Graders may certify that shell eggs meet kosher certification requirements based on the

results of either online sampling or stationary lot grading. 

For online sampling, when the first blood spot is found, the portion of the online production 

represented by that sample must be held for stationary lot grading. This product may be used for other 

non-kosher accounts or, if the plant wants that portion of the lot to be eligible for kosher certification, 

the grader will take a full sample of the lot using stationary lot sampling procedures. If no additional 

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blood spots are found during this stationary lot grading, the lot is eligible for kosher certification. 

However, if another blood spot is found, the product must then be retained, reworked, regraded, and 

re-examined.

Since any retained product that has been reworked is considered a new lot, the lot can be certified as 

meeting kosher requirements provided no more than one blood spot is found during the re-examination. 

Alternatively, retained product may be released for non-kosher accounts provided it does not exceed 

the normal tolerance for blood spots. In this instance, the eggs are to be removed from packaging 

material bearing the kosher symbol (see examples of kosher symbols listed below). 

 

Note: For a directory of Kosher Certifying Agencies and a comprehensive listing of Kosher symbols, 

please visit the Chicago Rabbinical Counsel site at:

http://www.crcweb.org/agencies.pdf

When the grader determines that a lot is eligible for kosher certification based on online sampling, the 

following statement may be included on the Form LP-210S grading certificate: 

“Product represented on this certificate meets the requirements for the stated grade, size, and kosher 

certification for blood spots as determined by online sampling on (date the product was packed).” 

Product may also be eligible for kosher certification based on stationary lot grading. In this case, 

sampling results must indicate that no more than one blood spot was found in the official samples 

examined. Product failing to meet this tolerance must be reworked and regraded. 

When the grader determines the lot is eligible for kosher certification based on stationary lot grading, 

the following statement may be included on a Form LP-210S: 

“Product represented on this certificate meets kosher certification requirements for blood spots as 

determined by candling a representative sample of shell eggs selected from a stationary lot.” 

709.10 Certification of Shell Eggs as Fit for Human Consumption

Any interested party may request that a lot of shell eggs be described as “Fit for Human Consumption,” 

on the certificate. When requested, the product must be officially graded by examining a representative

sample, either online sampling or stationary lot, and found to contain no more restricted eggs than 

permitted in the standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell eggs.

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709.11 Certification of Organic Shell Eggs 

Any interested party may request certification and official identification of organic eggs for domestic 

and export sales at official USDA facilities. This procedure provides specific instructions to the grader 

on the processing, certification, and identification of organic shell eggs packed in containers bearing the 

USDA grademark. Instruction is also provided for certification of eggs when containers do not bear 

the grademark. 

The term “Organic” may only be used on containers of shell eggs, for domestic sales, that have been 

produced and handled in accordance with the requirements of the USDA, National Organic Program 

(NOP), 7 CFR Part 205. 

When processed shell eggs are to be identified with applicable USDA organic standards, a final rinse 

of potable water is required when chlorinated substances are used as a processing agent (cleaning and 

sanitizing compounds). The active chlorine content of the potable water rinse, subsequent to the 

sanitizing cycle cannot exceed 4 ppm. Plant management is responsible for monitoring the active 

chlorine content of the potable water rinse and maintaining records to demonstrate conformance. Eggs 

not processed in accordance with the NOP Standards are not eligible for identification with the NOP 

emblem or the term “Organic”. 

Shell eggs for export sales must be labeled “For Export Only” when the foreign country of destination 

does not recognize the NOP Standard as equivalent to that country’s regulatory requirements or the 

eggs are identified as organic to a standard other than the USDA National Organic Standard. 

709.11a Responsibility 

In official plants, before shell eggs can be labeled “organic,” plant management must provide the 

grader a current copy of the producer’s and/or packer’s organic certificate, issued by the accredited 

certifying agent. If documentation provided exceeds 12 months from the date of issue, contact the 

National Shell Egg Office for guidance. Graders must also verify the certifying agent’s accreditation 

through the NOP’s Organic Integrity Database. Documents provided by the certifying agent must list 

the approved layer flock(s) for the production of eggs eligible for organic labeling and list the shell egg 

grading operation approved as meeting the organic handling requirements.

At unscheduled locations, before shell eggs can be labeled “organic,” the applicant must provide the

grader with the appropriate documents identifying the certifying agent for each producer and packer of

shell eggs presented for grading. Additionally, the applicant must also demonstrate the origin of such 

eggs (invoices, bill of lading, etc.). The grader must attach supporting documents to their copy of the 

Form LP-210S certificate issued. 

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709.11b Product Labeling Requirements 

In addition to the labeling requirements outlined in “L – Labeling” L - 01: Shell Egg Label Approval 

located in the QAD 700 Series – Shell Eggs in QAD AGNIS and the USDA: QAD Shell Egg Grading 

Resources website. The following information applies to labeling product as “organic:”

1. Labeling materials bearing the official grademark must be submitted to the National 

Office for approval prior to use. The term “organic” may appear on any panel of 

consumer packaging material and shipping containers in the format and color as 

specified in 7 CFR Part 205. 

2. The full name or registered trade name of the certifying agent (name which may be 

expressed as an acronym if registered as a trade name or mark) must be placed on the 

label or packaging material near the name and address of the packer or distributor. No 

other printed material or information may be placed between the certifying agent’s 

name and the name of the packer or distributor. As an option, the certifying agent’s 

name, trade name, or registered acronym, the statement “Certified organic by (insert 

certifying agent’s name),” or similar phrase, may be used. 

3. It is optional for certified operations to display the USDA organic emblem, as shown 

below, on their packing and packaging material. Shell egg exports identified as 

organic to a standard other than the National Organic Standard are not eligible for 

identification with the USDA organic emblem.

709.11c Verification and Control 

Shell eggs from each approved organic production location must be labeled and otherwise handled to 

maintain their identity through processing and packaging. Plants must develop and implement a 

monitoring program to assure that only “organic” eggs are officially certified and appropriately 

identified with an approved USDA label. Graders must verify through a document review that the shell 

eggs identified as “organic” originate from a flock(s) listed on the producer’s organic certificate issued 

by the accrediting agent. Management must present documentation and processing records that 

correlate the identity of the product with the certified flock. This would include product markings such 

as a flock number(s), producer name and address, or specific production code number(s) that can be

directly associated with shipping invoices to indicate compliance.

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709.11d Official Certification 

Upon verification of documentation, the grader may officially certify the quality, quantity, and 

condition of organically produced shell eggs, for domestic and export sales, based on the results of 

either online sampling or stationary lot grading. Additionally, organically produced eggs can be 

officially certified on a sample graded basis. When requested, the grader may issue a Form LP-210S 

certificate reflecting these results. For each certificate issued covering shell eggs produced in 

accordance with the USDA National Organic Standards, place the following statement in the 

“Remarks” section: 

“Product meets the requirements for identifying shell eggs as organic in accordance with the USDA, 

National Organic Standards.” 

709.12 United Egg Producers (UEP) Certified

To improve the welfare of egg-laying flocks, the United Egg Producers (UEP) has developed animal 

husbandry guidelines for egg laying flocks. Official plants recognized by the UEP as certified under 

this program will be eligible to use the following “United Egg Producers Certified” emblem. The

emblem represents certification that a company’s production facility is participating in the UEP Animal 

Husbandry Program for Egg-Laying Flocks. 

Labeling materials bearing the official grademark and the “United Egg Producers Certified” emblem 

must be submitted to the National Office for approval prior to use. The emblem may appear on any

panel of the consumer packaging material and shipping containers. For previously approved labels, the 

original approval number will be reassigned to the new label format.

Once approved, use of the container label is contingent on the registration of a company’s production 

facility in UEP’s Animal Husbandry Program for Egg-Laying Flocks. Verification can be confirmed 

through the certificate issued by UEP to each company for registration of the identified production 

facility(s). This document must be provided to the grader prior to packing eggs in containers identified 

with the emblem or be kept on file, annually, in file folder “2a” of the grader’s official files. 

Continued use of the approved labeling material will be determined based on the company’s 

compliance with the provisions of the program.

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709.13 Recognized Organizations Certifying Animal Husbandry Practices for Egg-Laying 

Flocks

When a company elects to use a recognized organization’s animal care certification based upon 

verification of compliance as meeting or exceeding industry standards by an independent certifying 

agent, the certificate or letter issued must be issued within the past 12 months. Plant management must 

provide a current letter of certification from the certifying agent identifying the certified layer flock(s). 

Plant management must provide, upon request from a USDA representative, a copy of the 

organization’s standards for egg-laying flocks and the emblem representing the organization (Exhibit 

II). A written copy of plant managements plan for maintaining the identity of the eggs from the 

certified source flock(s) from the time of production through storage, transport, processing and 

packaging must be presented to the grader.

709.14 Cage-Free or Free-Range Egg Production Verification Procedures

To assure that a source flock(s) identity is consistent with the animal care marketing claim on the label 

bearing a USDA grademark, the supervisor or designee will visit each egg production site to verify the 

animal husbandry practices for the identified layer flock and/or other related marketing claims. 

Verification must be on file before packing eggs into grade shielded cartons that bear cage-free and/or 

free-range marketing claims. The verification must be conducted as outlined below: 

A. Upon request from a producer, verification service for cage free or free range animal 

husbandry practices will be provided on an unscheduled basis including associated 

expenses.

B. The supervisor or designee will conduct the initial onsite visit to visually examine the 

animal husbandry practices employed for each identified flock at the egg production 

site using the following definitions:

Cage Free: Eggs packed in USDA grademarked consumer packages labeled as cage free 

are laid by hens that are able to roam vertically and horizontally in indoor houses, and have 

access to fresh food and water. Cage-free systems vary from farm-to-farm, and include 

multi-tier aviaries. They must allow hens to exhibit natural behaviors and include 

enrichments such as scratch areas, perches and nests. Hens must have access to litter, 

protection from predators and be able to move in a barn in a manner that promotes bird 

welfare.

Free Range: Eggs packed in USDA grademarked consumer packages labeled as free range 

must be produced by hens that are able to roam vertically and horizontally in indoor houses, 

and have access to fresh food and water, and continuous access to outdoors during their 

laying cycle. The outdoor area may be fenced and/or covered with netting-like material. 

Housing systems vary from farm-to-farm, and can include multi-tier aviaries. They must 

allow hens to exhibit natural behaviors and include enrichments such as scratch areas, 

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perches and nests. Hens must have access to litter, protection from predators, and be able 

to move in the barn in a manner that promotes bird welfare.

Note: Aviary systems of varying design are considered cage free. The systems may or 

may not have doors which temporarily confine the birds in the housing area to encourage 

laying of eggs in nest boxes. Supervisors will only verify that aviary systems are in place 

without regard to the presence of doors or periods of confinement. 

C. A minimum of one verification visit per year is required. When an egg producer has a 

layer flock(s) certified by independent third-party certifying agent as meeting 

recognized industry standards for the stated animal husbandry practices (cage free/ 

free range), the annual letter of certification for an identified flock(s) can be 

substituted for one visit every two years. If a letter of certification is used in lieu of a 

USDA verification visit, the following year’s verification visit must be performed by 

the supervisor or designee. The third-party plant’s certification must clearly identify 

the flock and location, either a paper document or a web-based identification may be 

utilized. All company biosecurity procedures and QAD 730: Quality Assessment 

Division Biosecurity Policy must be followed when visiting egg production sites. 

D. The supervisor or designee is responsible for reviewing the applicable observations 

and information documented for the identified layer flock(s) during the verification 

visit. The Cage Free Layer House Verification Report (Exhibits III and IV) can be 

used to document that verification is acceptable, record the general size and identity of 

the layer flock(s), continuous access to an acceptable outdoor area to roam, and 

whether the layer house design provides perches, scratch or dust bathing areas, etc. 

that may be requested as additional marketing claims. 

E. If the egg producer/packer provides a copy of an approved label used to distribute the 

eggs from the identified cage free layer flock(s) that includes additional marketing 

claims, such as vegetarian diet, no animal by-products, etc., these statements may also 

be verified during the visit.

F. The verification procedure will also require determination of an acceptable written 

plan to maintain the segregation and identity of the eggs for a certified source flock(s) 

from the time of production through storage, transport, processing, and packaging. If

acceptable, this written plan must be provided to the scheduled grader assigned to the 

identified egg packing plant. The scheduled grader will file a copy of the written plan 

in file folder “2” of the grader’s official files for reference information accessible by 

an assigned relief grader.

G. Whether verified by USDA or a third-party, the Cage Free Layer House Verification 

Report must be completed and maintained in the USDA Grading Office in file folder

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“2” along with the approved segregation plan, and a copy of the letter of certification 

(if used).

H. When the egg-laying operation does not meet USDA, LP policy describing a cage-free 

and/or free-range, egg-laying operation, refer to section 709.14 B. and “L – Labeling” 

L-01: Shell Egg Label Approval in the QAD 700 Series in QAD AGNIS and the

USDA: QAD Shell Egg Grading Resources website, nonconforming items will be 

noted on the Cage Free Layer House Verification Report. The report must be

discussed with plant management and filed separately from conforming reports. The 

nonconforming report will be retained until corrective actions are made and verified, a 

new report is generated for the next year, or for 1 year after the close of the fiscal year 

in which the document was created. Source flocks identified in nonconforming 

reports are not eligible to be packed into grade marked cartons with cage free and/or 

free range marketing claims.

709.15 Appeal Gradings

An appeal grading may be requested by any interested party who is not satisfied with the determination 

of the class, quality, quantity, or condition of any product as evidenced by the USDA grademark and 

accompanying label, or as stated on a grading certificate (7 CFR 56.60). To qualify for an appeal 

grading, shell eggs must not have been moved from the point of the original grading that is being 

appealed (7 CFR 56.65(c)). 

709.15a Who Must Perform the Appeal Grading

1. The appeal will be filed with the grader’s immediate supervisor. 

2. The appeal grading will be made by the grader’s immediate supervisor or by a licensed 

grader assigned by the immediate supervisor. 

3. The grader who performed the original grading will not be assigned to perform the

appeal grading. 

709.15b Procedures for Appeal Grading (7 CFR 56.65) 

1. When the original samples are available, the sample will consist of the original 

samples plus an equal number of additional samples.

2. When the grade is sustained, the appeal certificate is not to show the percentage 

breakdown of qualities. The certificate will show “Original U.S. Grade Sustained.” 

When the grade is not sustained, the appeal certificate will show the percentage of 

qualities. The U.S. grade is not to be shown. The certificate will show, “Original 

U.S. Grade Not Sustained” (7 CFR 56.66). 

3. The appeal certificate always supersedes the original certificate.

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4. When a grading is appealed and a new certificate is issued, show under remarks: 

“This is an appeal grading and this certificate supersedes Certificate Number ____, 

dated ______.”

A copy of all appeal certificates with original and appeal grading worksheets will be 

sent to the National Office. Whenever the detailed grade results of the appeal and the 

original grade findings are not shown on the front of the appeal certificate include this 

data on the back of the National Office copy. 

The original and all copies of the superseded certificate must be recalled. If the 

original and all copies of the superseded certificate cannot be recalled, contact the 

National Shell Egg Office for guidance. All returned superseded certificates must be 

marked “Void” and filed by the grader in the same manner as “Void” certificates.

709.16 Export Certification

Instructions on the grading of shell eggs for exports are covered under “E – Exports” (E-01 through 

E-XX) in the QAD 700 Series – Shell Eggs in QAD AGNIS and the USDA: QAD Shell Egg Export 

Instructions website.

Page 169
 

 

____________________________ 

EXHIBIT I

Agricultural Livestock and Poultry Program 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 

Service Washington, DC 20250 

October 15, 2021 

ABC Egg Farm 

Anywhere, USA 

Dear Dr. Jenny: 

Attached is a copy of the new ABC Egg Farm Grade AA and A Shell Egg Specification that was 

approved for implementation on October 15, 2021. 

You may call me at (000) 867-5309 regarding any questions pertaining to this approval or the 

implementation of these specifications by our grading personnel. We value our shared commitment to 

quality by providing ABC Egg Farm customers with exceptional products. Please don’t hesitate to 

contact me if I may be of further assistance. 

Sincerely, 

National Shell Egg Supervisor 

Standards and Specifications Division 

Livestock and Poultry Program 

Attached: ABC Egg Farm Grade AA and A Shell Egg Specification 10/15/2021 

Page 170
 

 

 

 

Exhibit II 

Recognized Certification Standards for Cage-Free Layer Flocks 

National Organic Program (NOP), USDA 

Certified Humane – Raised & Handled 

Humane Farm Animal Care Standards 

American Humane Certified 

American Humane Association 

United Egg Producers Certified 

United Egg Producers Guidelines for U.S. Cage Free Egg-Laying Flocks 

Although the above information references cage free layer flock animal husbandry practices, the 

terminology “free range” may be used when continuous access to acceptable outdoor areas is 

provided. 

Page 171
 

 Exhibit III 

Cage-Free Layer Flock Verification 

Name of Certifying Agent: __________________________________________ Date: ______________ 

Name of Producer: Name of Facility: 

Address of Producer: Address of Facility: 

Please check the independent third party certifying agent(s) that have industry recognized animal care 

standards for cage-free / free-range egg laying flocks for the listed producer/facility. 

National Organic Program (NOP), USDA United Egg Producers Certified (UEP) 

Certified Humane – Raised & Handled American Humane Certified 

Please complete the applicable independent third party certifying agent(s) information: 

House 

Number Cage-Free Free-Range Layers Per House (Approximately) 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

Does the facility have a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the 

segregation and identification of the Cage-Free / Free-Range eggs? YES NO 

Remarks: 

Page 172
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit IV

Cage-Free Layer Flock Verification 

Foghorn Leghorn 10/15/2021 Name of Certifying Agent: __________________________________________ Date: ______________ 

Name of Producer: 

The Egg Farm

Name of Facility:

The Egg Farm - Complex A

Address of Producer: 

123 Egg Street

Egg, Shell 00123

Address of Facility: 

678 Egg Street

Egg, Shell 00123

Please check the independent third party certifying agent(s) that have industry recognized animal care 

standards for cage-free / free-range egg laying flocks for the listed producer/facility. 

✔ National Organic Program (NOP), USDA United Egg Producers Certified (UEP) 

Certified Humane – Raised & Handled American Humane Certified 

Please complete the applicable independent third party certifying agent(s) information: 

House 

Number 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Cage-Free 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES ✔ NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

Free-Range 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

YES NO 

Layers Per House (Approximately) 

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

YES NO 

YES NO YES NO 

Does the facility have a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the YES NO segregation and identification of the Cage-Free / Free-Range eggs? 

Remarks: 

- Eligible For Cage-Free Marketing Claims from date of this form until 10/15/2022.

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QAD 710: CERTIFICATE AND MEMORANDUM PREPARATION

710.1 Preparation and Distribution of Worksheets

710.1a Guidelines Regarding Use 

The LP-211: Poultry Products Grading Memorandum, Sample Selection Worksheets, and Shell Egg 

Online Candling Records (LP-75), are used as the official worksheets to support certificates issued. 

Industry may examine the above-mentioned worksheets during the graders scheduled tour of duty; 

however, they cannot make, nor possess copies of the worksheets. 

OFFICIAL GRADING WORKSHEETS ARE NOT TO BE 

DISTRIBUTED TO INDUSTRY.

The exception to this rule is the LP-74: Pre-Operative Shell Egg Plant Sanitation Report. 

Approved company forms may be used instead of official worksheets when an official certificate is not 

requested, and it will be useful to the firm. Company forms are to be approved prior to their use by a 

supervisor who will confirm the approval in writing to the grader. They may not be signed or initialed 

by the grader. 

710.1b Entries Required

The detail required on LP-75 or LP-211 worksheet(s) includes all information which will be placed on 

the certificate, except as noted below. For information on how to complete the front of the LP-211, see 

710.2b Preparation of Certificates. The LP-211 memorandum may include additional comments such 

as loading, holding, and any other potentially useful information concerning the general character of the 

eggs. Worksheets are to be signed by all graders making the official grading. 

When LP-210S grading certificates are prepared by the grader at the time the grading is performed, 

either preferably typed or in longhand, it is not necessary to complete a memorandum. The only time it 

is necessary to fill out the memorandum completely is when someone other than the grader will prepare 

the grading certificate, or when the certificate is to be issued based on a full sized stationary lot grading. 

When more than one grader is assigned to grade a lot of eggs, each grader is to record and initial his/her 

entry on the worksheets for the specific samples graded. 

710.1c LP-211 Reverse Side

When applicable, the reverse of the LP-211 is to be prepared according to the following guidelines: 

• Purchase Order/ Sales Order/Item/Production Codes: Completing these fields as

necessary when documenting stationary lot gradings related to a Federal Purchase Program

Specification (FPPS) for Shell Eggs.

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• Net Weight of Individual Packages / Net Weight Determination: These fields are 

intended for poultry grading and not used for lots of shell eggs. 

• Remarks: Describe the size of the lot, case counts and container sizes, location of product, 

disposition of product, final grade determination, relevant discussions with plant 

management, time, and date, retention, reason for No Grade, etc. When applicable, record 

pertinent labeling information such as: 

 1. Lot numbers (USDA, storage, or company). Storage or company lot numbers are only 

recorded when each case is identified.

 2. Brand name as displayed on carton or case.

 3. Name and address of packer or distributor. 

 4. Any other marks identifying the contents of the case. 

• Sample Predetermination Chart: When performing lot grading, samples are to be 

selected at random in accordance with QAD 707.4 through 707.6. In this section, record 

the pallet number, layer number, and container position from the completed sample 

selection worksheet for the lot. 

• Tare Weight Determination: If tare weights have not yet been established for the product 

in the lot, use this area to establish a tare weight prior to grading. 

• Load Diagram: This diagram is necessary for check-loading related to government 

purchases or exports that require graders to seal the load. Each pallet is recorded by the 

number of cases on the pallet, in the order in which they are loaded. Fields 1 and 2 

represent the front of the trailer, 21 and 22 represent the end of the trailer nearest to the 

doors. 

• Official Grade and Size: Once a final determination has been made, enter one of the 

following in the blank space to the right of the section heading: 

i. A U.S. Consumer grade and size, for example: U.S. Grade AA Medium 

ii. No U.S. Grade (for mixed lots of stamped/unstamped eggs or failure to meet U.S. 

Grade B)

iii. No Grade (Refer to QAD 706.7 Assignment of Grades)

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• Sample Results:

Record the grade factors of each sample. Record underweight eggs in the “Under __ oz” 

column, and any missing eggs in the “Shortage” column. “Small end up” and “Case Temp” 

need only be completed if including those factors in the lot determination. 

The total of the quality factor columns when added across must always equal 100 eggs. 

Shortages and underweight eggs are never included in the 100-egg quality totals. After the 

entire lot is graded, total each column vertically. Determine the “average percent” of each 

grade factor by dividing the total of each column by the number of cases sampled in the lot. 

The total of the combined averages must be 100 percent. If the percentage totals 99.99, add 

0.01 to the column representing the highest percentage or vice versa if the percentage totals 

100.01. 

If the lot is retained due to grade or size factors, circle the cause of the retention using red

ink and describe in the Remarks section. 

710.1d Defect Abbreviations 

Describe the character of loss and certain other B* qualities by using the below listed symbols. Limit 

the terms used to the ones listed in the regulations and below. It is not mandatory to report the actual 

type of dirty eggs on official reports but use the symbols to further identify the exact reason, as 

necessary. 

*Eggs with blood spots which show a slight diffusion into the albumen around the localized spot are 

not to be classified as bloody white. 

710.1e B and B* Quality 

List small (not more than one-eighth inch in diameter) meat spots in the “B” column without additional 

comment. In the B* column, record eggs with air cells over three-eighths inch, eggs with small blood 

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spots aggregating not more than one-eighth inch in diameter, and eggs with serious yolk defects. 

Identify these eggs using the appropriate symbol on the memorandum or worksheet, but do not include

this information on the grading certificate.

710.1f Dirties and Checks

A “dirt” egg is graded only to determine whether it is a loss or check. A dirty is classified higher than a 

check because a dirty egg can be upgraded by cleaning, while the quality of a checked egg can only 

deteriorate and is susceptible to bacterial adulteration. 

710.1g Loss

Leakers are to be reported as loss eggs. Within the tolerance permitted, an allowance is made at 

destination to permit 1.00 percent leakers, dirties, or loss (due to meat or blood spots) in any 

combination in Consumer Grades AA, A, and B, except that loss may not exceed 0.30 percent. 

710.1h Under __ oz 

Record individual underweight eggs found in each sample, using slash marks. In consumer weight 

classes, the individual case tolerance is 5 percent underweight eggs and the lot average tolerance is 3.3 

percent eggs in the next lower weight class.

710.1i Shortages 

When “shortages” are found in any sample, report the number of eggs short on the memorandum and 

certificate, but do not include such shortage when computing the grade. Select and grade a minimum 

of 100 eggs. To determine the weight of such a case, replace the shortage with other eggs from within 

the lot.

710.1j Case Temperature

If, an applicant requests internal case temperatures while performing a stationary lot grading, record 

the temperature range of each case examined. Place this information in the “Remarks” section. Obtain 

temperatures by placing a thermometer between the second and the third filler flat tier. Shell egg 

carton container temperatures are obtained by placing the metal stem thermometer horizontally in the

carton. The thermometer should remain in place until the temperature stabilizes for recording. 

Leave the thermometer with the top fillers in place while grading the opposite end. Read the 

thermometer immediately upon removing it from the case and record the temperature in the designated 

column. For eggs known to be under refrigeration long enough to equalize the temperature of the lot, 

show the following statement under “Remarks” on certificates issued: 

“Product held under ___ °F temperature. Individual egg temperatures not checked.” 

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When eggs have not been held long enough for temperatures to have equalized throughout the lot, each 

sample must be checked, and the temperature range shown on the certificate. For line sampled product, 

a sufficient number of case temperatures are to be recorded throughout the day so as to determine the 

product temperature. 

710.2 LP-210S: Shell Egg Grading Certificate

710.2a General Information Concerning Certificates 

1. Scheduled graders are to issue certificates only upon request of the applicant or their supervisor. 

2. Certificates are to be used in numerical sequence.

3. Certificates must be typed or written legibly in ink. Certificates covering shell eggs for export 

must be typed, and the grader’s name must be typed on the signature line.

4. Complete all applicable sections of the certificate. Do not use abbreviations, except as 

designated in this series. If requested, or required by a specification, the lot number may be 

documented as the consecutive day of the year (Julian Date) representing the date of packaging. 

5. International trade does not allow for digital signatures on LP-210S certificates therefore, all 

original certificates, both domestic and international, are to be signed in blue ink.

6. It is permissible to print only the original certificate and make subsequent copies from the 

original. If requested or required by a specification, additional original certificates can be 

issued. Original certificates are differentiated from copies by the presence of an original 

signature. Create as many certificates as necessary prior to signing, then sign all originals in ink 

prior to issuance.

7. The scheduled grader’s accountability record, Form LP-185 for certificates must be maintained 

at the plant.

8. The supervisor will determine how the accountability record is kept for other graders. 

9. When minor errors are made on a certificate prior to the release of said certificate, correct the 

errors with a single strike through only, and initial the correction in ink. Errors often challenge 

the validity of a certificate. Numerous errors may void the certificate.

710.2b Preparation of Certificate

Certificates will be completed according to the information requested by the applicant, and the type of 

certification activity. The following guidance is intended to be general in nature and may not cover all 

scenarios. QAD 709 provides guidance on certification requirements for Special Gradings. 

Prepare certificates from the data recorded on the LP-75 or LP-211 forms. It is preferred that only the 

front of the certificate be used.

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1. Certificate No.: This is the unique serial number assigned to the certificate. When certifying 

eggs for export or for an official U.S. Sample Grade, this SEA number may be applied to the 

cases in an official stamp impression. This number will either be pre-printed on the pad of 

certificates or assigned by a computerized certificate generation system.

2. Place Examined: Enter the city and state in which the lot is being certified.

3. Plant Number: Enter the official plant number assigned to the facility where the lot is being 

certified. If the eggs are certified at a location with no official plant number, leave this field 

blank.

4. Applicant: Enter the full name, address, and zip code of the business or person that is 

requesting the certificate. This is typically the origin production facility.

5. Name and Address of Shipper or Seller: Enter the full name, address, and zip code of the 

business or person that is selling the lot to the buyer. This may or may not be the same as the 

applicant.

6. Name and Address of Receiver or Buyer: Enter the full name, address, and zip code of the 

business or person that is purchasing the lot. “To Be Sold” may not be used on export 

shipments.

7. Lot No.: Enter the sequential number of the lot, beginning with number 1. If required by a 

specification or at the request of the applicant, the lot may be the consecutive day of the year 

(Julian Date). The field adjacent to “No. Containers Per Lot” must correspond to the field 

adjacent to “Eggs.”

8. No. of Containers Per Lot: Enter the number of physical containers in the shipment. If 

necessary, enter “See Remarks” and describe the character of the containers in the remarks 

section.

9. No. of Containers Examined: If net weight is to be certified, or if the certificate is issued 

based on a full-sized stationary lot grading, enter the number of containers sampled. This 

number should always meet the sample size outlined in QAD 707.3: Size of Sample. If the 

certificate is issued based on online sampling with no net weight certification, enter “Online 

Sampling” in this field.

10. Net Wt.: Complete the average net weight for the lot only if the certificate is issued based on a 

full-sized stationary lot grading, or if requested by the applicant. If a net weight is requested 

for a lot that was certified based on online sampling, additional samples must be taken for 

weight purposes up to a full-sized sample outlined in QAD 707.3: Size of Sample. 

11. Percentages: If the certificate is issued based on a full-sized sample as outlined in 

7 CFR 56.4(b) Basis of grading service, transcribe the percentages from the LP-211. Each row 

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must total 100, not including the Under Wt. column. If the applicant requests percentages be 

shown for online production, refer to 710.3: Quality and Net Weight Certification of On-Line 

Sampled Shell Eggs.

12. Official U.S. Grade and Size: Enter the official grade and size assigned to the lot.

13. Eggs: State the color as white or brown and the number of cases of each, when the applicant 

can furnish such information. State the color as mixed when the actual number of cases for 

each is identified. Definitions for determining the color are as follows: 

a. White - When all eggs in the lot have a distinct white color. 

b. Brown - When all eggs in the lot have a definite shade of brown which may vary from light 

brown (buff) to dark brown.

c. Mixed - A lot of eggs consisting of more than one color is to be declared as mixed colors. 

A tolerance of 10 percent eggs with a cream shade in a lot, described as white or brown is 

permitted on an individual case basis.

14. Type of Packing/Type of Packaging: Enter the type and condition of packing and packaging 

materials for each lot certified. Packing refers to the master containers such as cases, Reusable 

Plastic Cases (RPCs) or open skids. Packaging refers to the egg containers within the packing 

materials, such as cartons or filler flats. For definitions and guidance on packing and 

packaging materials, see QAD 704: Egg Packing and Packaging Materials. 

15. Case Quality Range: Complete this field only if the percentages fields are completed above. 

Enter two numbers as a range, representing the lowest and highest sample quality totals within 

a lot. For example: 88 – 96. 

16. Character of Loss: Complete this field only if the percentages fields are completed above. If 

any number is entered in the “Loss” column, describe the character of loss using the 

abbreviations found in QAD 710.1d: Defect Abbreviations. 

17. Where Held and Temperature: Describe the refrigerated location where eggs are held, and 

the ambient temperature. For example, Cooler at 45°F. 

18. Cases Stamped With: Describe the type of official identification on the cases within the lot. 

For example:

 U.S. Grade AA U.S. Sample Grade A U.S. Graded for Export 

with Date Certificate # 1234567 Certificate #1234567 

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When certifying product that is identified with a preprinted Grade Shield on the label, which does not 

contain either the date or a certificate number, describe as follows:

 U.S. Grade AA Shield U.S. Grade A Shield

19. Additional Certification:

a. If the product is certified to a commercial specification, General Export Requirements, or a 

specific country specification, describe the name of the specification and date of the 

specification approval.

b. Purchase order, sales order, and item # are to be included for all USDA commodity 

purchases. Purchase Orders may also be included upon request for export or domestic 

certifications. 

c. If the certificate covers lots that were graded online, check the applicable box, and list the 

date range for the online grading. A certificate cannot cover more than 21 days of 

production. 

 d. If a Disease-Free Statement is issued with the certificate as part of an Export shipment, 

check the applicable box. 

20. Remarks: The remarks section may contain a wide variety of information depending on the 

needs of the applicant or the requirements of the specification. Some commonly requested 

information includes: 

a. seal numbers, 

b. purchase or sales order numbers, 

c. Conversion to 30 dozen case equivalents. 

When requested, a conversion of small units to 30-dozen equivalents will be recorded in the 

“remarks” section. Do not round. 

Actual conversions must appear on the certificate. Example: 51/15-dozen cases = 25.5/30-

dozen cases. The grader may convert from the smaller cases to the 30-dozen units with the 

following formulas: 

Number of 12-dozen units times .4 

Number of 15-dozen units times .5 

Number of 16-dozen units times .533 

Number of 18-dozen units times .6 

Number of 24-dozen units times .8 

Number of 25-dozen units times .833 

Number of 40-dozen units times 1.33 

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d. egg oiling: Do not show “shell protected” on a certificate unless it is a specification 

requirement or is requested by the applicant or receiver. In order for a grader to certify that 

eggs have been shell protected, the packing plant must have equipment capable of applying 

oil to approximately the entire shell surface of the egg as observed by the grader. 

e. verification of specialty egg claims, 

f. impressions of stamps used on cases, or

g. other information related to the characteristics of the lots certified.

Graders may not materially alter the contents of the remarks section of shipments to 

countries with negotiated export specifications. If the applicant requests additions or 

omissions to these types of certificates, contact the supervisor. The supervisor must contact 

the Regional Office for guidance from the National Shell Egg Office. 

21. Official Grader: Print name and sign the completed certificate in ink. Export certifications 

must be signed in blue ink.

22. Date: Enter the date of certification.

An official LP-210S may be issued up to 21 days after the product was packed and graded including 

the date of pack on any shell eggs which have met online sampling requirements. Eggs that have 

exceeded this 21-day requirement are only eligible for a U.S. Sample Grade certificate based on a full 

stationary lot grading.

710.3 Quality and Net Weight Certification of On-Line Sampled Shell Eggs

When a LP-210S certificate with quality percentages and/or net weight is requested, a full-size 

representative sample (based on QAD 707.3) must be examined from the product to be certified. When 

plant management knows in advance that such certification is needed, the grader is to be advised, so 

that the required number of samples may be examined from the lot to be certified during processing. 

All grading data and net weight information are to be recorded on the LP-75. 

710.3a Procedures When Sufficient Online Samples Are Examined During Processing 

• Certification of All Product Produced During a Specific Period (with sufficient samples)

Up to 5 consecutive days’ production of the same grade and size may be combined and 

averaged as one lot on a certificate. Enter the following statement in the remarks section of 

the LP-210S certificate:

“The results shown on this certificate are an average of samples graded during processing 

on (show dates).” 

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• Certification of a Portion of Production (with sufficient samples) 

The average quality percentages and net weight of all samples graded may be shown on the 

LP-210S certificate covering any portion of production from a line. In this situation, the 

results of all online samples from a particular line would be averaged to determine quality 

percentages and net weight. Enter the following statement in the remarks section of the 

LP-210S certificate issued to cover any portion of production from the applicable line: 

“The product represented on this certificate was part of a lot of eggs graded during 

processing on (show date). The quality percentages and net weight shown are an average 

of all samples graded from the entire lot.” 

710.3b Procedures When Insufficient On-line Samples Are Examined During Processing

If the grader is unable to examine sufficient samples from the line during processing, the additional 

samples needed (to equal the minimum number required to certify percentages) may be selected from 

the cooler, provided that: the product is identified with an official U.S. grade stamp, U.S. lot number 

stamp, or other official identification; not more than 21 days have passed since the product was 

packed; all the product to be certified is in the plant and available for additional samples to be taken. 

The additional samples will be identified according to established random sampling procedures. The 

results of the grading are to be averaged with online sample results on a LP-211. Alternatively, if it is 

anticipated that additional samples may be needed to later certify quality percentages, the grader may 

randomly select and set aside such additional samples from the line, during processing, as may be 

needed. These “potential” samples must be sealed, marked with the grader’s initials, and officially 

identified. The potential samples must be placed together in a readily accessible location in the cooler. 

The potential samples, if needed, will be averaged with the online samples examined during processing. 

• Certification of All Product Produced During a Specific Period (with insufficient samples) 

If the entire lot(s) is certified, enter the following statement in the remarks section of the 

LP-210S certificate:

“The results shown on this certificate are an average of samples graded during processing 

on (show date(s)). (Number) additional samples were graded on (show date).” 

• Certification of a Portion of Production (with insufficient samples)

i. If the entire lot is available, and a portion of the production lot is certified, enter the 

following statement in the remarks section of the LP-210S certificate:

“The product represented on this certificate was part of a lot of eggs graded during 

processing on (show date). (Number) additional samples were graded on (show date). 

The quality percentages and net weight shown are an average of all samples graded 

from the entire lot.”

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ii. If the entire production lot is not available for sampling, but the portion of the lot to be 

certified is available and can be positively identified with individual samples selected 

and graded during processing, enter the following statement in the remarks section of 

the LP-210S certificate.

“The results shown on this certificate are an average of samples graded during 

processing on (show date(s)). (Number) additional samples were graded on (show 

date).” 

In the event that additional cooler samples show the product to be out-of-compliance, the grader may 

not issue a certificate listing the individual quality percentages or net weight. A certificate may be 

issued showing that the product met the requirements for the stated grade and size as determined by 

online sampling. If the results of the cooler samples reveal that the product exceeds restricted egg 

tolerances for U.S. Grade B, the product must be retained. 

710.4 Certificate Distribution

a. Distribute original to the applicant or designated representative. Additional copies may 

be furnished to the applicant when requested.

b. Unscheduled plant graders are to file certificates and worksheets according to the 

supervisor’s instructions.

c. Scheduled graders are to file certificates with worksheets attached for all certificates 

issued in the scheduled plant. Retain these files according to current record disposition 

located at QAD 437 on QAD AGNIS (USDA only link). 

710.5 Correction of LP-210S Certificate Errors

710.5a “Void” Certificates

When numerous errors are made in preparing a certificate, write “VOID” diagonally on the original and 

destroy all copies. The original is to be filed at the office where the accountability record is 

maintained. Voided certificates must be indicated on the LP-185: Consignment, Receipt, and 

Disposition (Serially Numbered Forms) by writing “VOID” or “VOIDED” in the corresponding 

certificate number section.

710.5b Certificate Amendments

When an error is discovered after a certificate has been issued, it may be necessary to complete an 

amendment to correct the original certificate. Amendments may be issued when an error has been 

made and all copies of the distributed certificate cannot be recovered, providing all interested parties 

can be supplied with copies of the amendment. If the certificate has not been issued, or can easily be 

retrieved, it is recommended to void the certificate with errors and issue a new one. 

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Amendments must be prepared on official Livestock and Poultry Program, AMS, USDA letterhead 

only (Exhibit I).

Graders, other than the grader issuing the original certificate, may issue amendments covering errors in 

entries that are as stated by the applicant. Amendments for factors certified by USDA may be made by 

a second grader only if the grader can personally verify the amended information through observation 

of product or examination of grading records. Utilize the same distribution that was used for the 

original certificate, which was amended. 

710.5c Superseded Certificates

Superseding certificates should only be used when an amendment is not acceptable. Occasionally, 

original certificates are distributed that require extensive modifications to correct a previously issued 

certificate. Under these circumstances, every effort must be made to retrieve the original certificate. If 

the original certificate cannot be retrieved, a new certificate may be issued to supersede the original 

certificate. When issuing a superseded certificate, the original certificate number and date must be 

referenced in the remarks section (Exhibit II). Any licensed grader may issue a superseded certificate

if it can be supported by examination of official grading records. Utilize the same distribution as the 

original certificate.

Page 185
Livestock and Poultry Program

Quality Assessment Division

1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258

Washington, DC 20250

 ________________ 

 Date

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

Livestock and Poultry Program 

Quality Assessment Division

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington DC 20250-0258 

This amendment is to be attached to Certificate No. ________________, dated _____________. 

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Shell Egg Grading Certificate ___________________, dated _________________, 

applicant: __________________________________________________________________, 

covering shell eggs graded at: __________________________________________________, 

is amended as follows:

Original Certificate: 

Amended to: 

 ________________________________ 

 (Official Grader Signature)

Page 186
Page 187
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 711 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 6, 2022 

Service Washington, DC 20250

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Back to Top

QAD 711: Shell Egg Volume Reporting, ABI and/or Form LP-240S 

711.1 Purpose

This procedure provides instructions for reporting volume of shell eggs graded or certified by 

Livestock and Poultry Program personnel, either in the AMS Billing and Information System (ABI) or 

on form LP-240S: Shell Egg Grading Volume Report (Exhibit I). 

711.2 Responsibility

A. Grading personnel stationed at a scheduled plant location are responsible for preparing 

Form LP-240S and/or entering information into ABI by the last workday of the billing 

period (billing periods end on the last Saturday of the month). Acceptance service 

volumes will always be reported for scheduled plants. All volumes will be reported in 30-

dozen cases. If no product has been graded or certified during the reporting period, a 

report must be entered into ABI or the LP-240S showing an accepted volume of zero 

cases. For consistency, use these following product descriptions for negative reports:

i. Size: Large

ii. Grade AA/A/B

iii. Acceptance Service N 

iv. OG FG-OI

v. Consumer Label Yes

In unscheduled locations, the frequency (daily, weekly, or billing period) for reporting 

volume information is determined by the supervisor.

B. Acceptance service volume information will be obtained from plant management. Graders 

are responsible for review of the totals to ensure that the information provided is a fair 

reflection of the grading activities for the plant. If questions concerning the validity or 

appropriateness of the information exist, graders are to notify their supervisor who will 

review the volume reporting criteria with plant management to resolve the issue.

It is no longer necessary to collect or report Administrative Volume information.

711.3 Completion of Volume Reporting

711.3a AMS Billing & Information System (ABI) 

All graders with access to USDA internal services will use ABI for Acceptance Service Volume 

entries. Instructions for accessing ABI can be found in the QAD AGNIS site under QAD Training

(USDA only link).

Guidelines for Volume Reporting Entries sections 1-5 (711.3c) will be based upon the volume 

reporting dates and request number in ABI. 

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711.3b LP-240S 

Graders without access to USDA internal services (ex. State cooperative partners, unscheduled 

locations without internet access) may continue to complete form LP-240S and distribute according to 

711.3d. 

711.3c Guidelines for Volume Reporting Entries (ABI & LP-240S) 

• General Information Section

1. Name and Address of Work Location - Enter the complete name, address, and zip 

code of the plant where grading service is provided. This is the physical address 

of the work location and not a headquarters or billing address. 

2(a). Scheduled Plant No. - For scheduled plants, enter the official plant number 

assigned to the work location. 

2(b). Unscheduled Request No. - For unscheduled plants only, enter the official plant 

number assigned to the work location or fee request number, as applicable. 

3. Reporting Period - Check the appropriate box to identify whether the volume 

totals reported are a daily, weekly, or billing period summary. 

4. From - Enter the starting date of the period being reported, including the year. 

5. To - Enter the ending date of the period being reported, including the year. 

• Acceptance Service Volume Section

All products that are graded / certified are to be reported in the acceptance service section.

6. Grade - Report the grade or classification for each volume using the following list. 

Consumer grades (AA, A, B) must be combined and reported as one entry. 

• AA/A/B

• Cooked 

• Nest Run (i.e., Canada Grade C, U.S. Nest-Run) 

• Not Graded

• Pasteurized

• Washed Ungraded 

NOTE: Report the volume of pasteurized eggs that are identified with the “Produced 

From” grademark or “certified as pasteurized” symbol, as fully graded-officially 

identified (FG-OI).

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7. Acceptance Service - Report each type of acceptance service performed using the 

following list:

C Commercial (Approved Specification)

X Export Shipments

D Department of Defense

N None 

G Other Government Agencies 

U Commodity Purchase Program

For officially grade identified product that is not part of any acceptance service, 

graders must assign an “Acceptance Service” of “None.” 

8. Export Country Code - Record the name of the country. Select only the individual 

countries for export reporting. Do not use the Group Codes. If the country is not 

listed in ABI, the supervisor must call or email the billing office to have it added.

NOTE: All exported product is considered fully graded and issued either a country 

specific Disease Free Statement or one that is non-specific (Other Countries). Record 

both types of exports as FG-DF in box 9. Canada shipments and countries that require 

APHIS to issue animal health certificates (Taiwan) are also considered fully graded and 

disease free (FG-DF).

Shipments destined for territories of the United States (Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin 

Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)) and military commissary 

sales are considered domestic products and should not be reported as exports (even if 

the territory is offered as a selection choice in ABI).

9. Graded - For each volume reported, record the applicable certification code as 

listed below: 

FG-OI Fully Graded/Officially Identified

FG-OIO Fully Graded/Officially Identified/Organic

FG-OIC Fully Graded/Officially Identified/Cage Free/Free Range (Non-Organic) 

FG-NGE Fully Graded/Officially Identified/Non-GMO/GE

FG-OIP Fully Graded/Officially Identified/Federal Purchase Program

FG-DF Fully Graded/Disease Free (All exports, including Canada) 

FG-NI Fully Graded/Not Identified (Non-identified)

LG-NI Limited Graded/Not Identified (Non-identified) 

LG-OI Limited Graded/Officially Identified (Handling & Transportation factors)

NG Not Graded

NG-PH Not Graded/Prepared From/Hard-Cooked 

NG-PP Not Graded/Prepared From/In-Shell Pasteurized

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Definitions of certification codes:

Fully Graded (FG) - This is used when product is sampled online or when a full sample 

is examined to make a U.S. grade determination. This includes fully grading product 

for quality control purposes and non-identified product that is fully graded. Enter the 

total number of 30-dozen cases that are fully graded (online or full-size sample). 

Limited Grading (LG) - This includes the partial grading of product for quality control 

purposes or handling and transportation factors as outlined in (QAD 706.9 and 706.10). 

(30-dozen cases)

Example: While performing quality control work, the grader examines 3 cases from a 

lot of 200/30-dozen cases produced. The grader will enter a total of 200/30-dozen cases 

as a limited grading, not identified. 

Alternately, when a sample is examined online, the grader will multiply the total 

number of samples examined by 100 to determine the volume of 30-dozen cases 

recognized as limited graded for the day’s production. (Not to exceed the total number 

of cases produced.).

Example: A grader receives previously graded and identified eggs on flats from 

another plant to be overwrapped. As the product is overwrapped, the grader checks 

1/100 cases for handling and transportation factors. The amount of product represented 

by the samples would be recorded as a limited grading, officially identified. 

Officially Identified (OI) - used when product is graded and/or certified and identified 

with the grademark (shield) or certification stamps imprinted on cartons, labels, cases or 

with the following stamps: 

• U.S. Grademark, AA, A 

• USDA Contract Compliance

• USDA Certified Pasteurized

• USDA Produced From AA or A 

• USDA Nest Run Grade

Not Identified (NI) - used when fully or limited graded product is not officially 

identified. 

Not Graded (NG) - used when certifying product for factors other than grade 

(i.e., breaking stock). 

10. Consumer Labeled - Enter “YES” or “NO” to identify if the product is packed in 

any package or packaging which is identified with the U.S. Grademark (shield) as 

AA, A, or B.

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11. 30 Dozen Cases Accepted - Record the total number of 30-dozen cases of eggs 

accepted. When partial cases are encountered, round-up to the nearest whole case.

12. 30 Dozen Cases Retained - Record the total number 30-dozen cases of eggs 

retained regardless of the final disposition of the product. For partial cases of 

eggs, round-up to the nearest whole case.

711.3d Distribution

It is only necessary to complete and distribute form LP-240S if billing data is not directly entered into 

ABI. If form LP-240S is completed, it will be distributed as described below: 

A. One copy to the Business Operations Branch (BOB) by the last day of the billing period. It 

is preferable to scan and email the form, however, faxing is acceptable.

BOB contact information: QAD.BusinessOps@usda.gov

1-(844) 345-3575 (fax)

B. Original copy maintained at the plant in the grader’s official files (see QAD 702) or by the 

supervisor when grading is performed in remote locations.

Page 192
□ □ □ 

EXHIBIT I

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PROGRAM 

SHELL EGG 

GRADING VOLUME REPORT 

1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF WORK LOCATION 

(Include Zip Code) 

2 (a). Scheduled Plant No. 2 (b). Unscheduled Request No. OMB APPROVED: NO. 0581-0128 

Page _________ of _________ 

3. REPORTING PERIOD 

Daily Weekly Billing Period 

4. From 5. To 

ACCEPTANCE SERVICE VOLUME 

6. 

GRADE 

7. 

ACCEPTANCE SERVICE 

8. 

EXPORT COUNTRY 

CODE 

9. 

GRADED 

10. 

CONSUMER LABELED 

11. 

30 DOZEN CASES ACCEPTED 

12. 

30 DOZEN CASES RETAINED 

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT 

I certify that the volumes of products processed as stated above, are correct to the best of my knowledge and the product officially identified as marked. 

_______________________________________________________________________________ 

Signature of Grader 

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this 

information collection is 0581-0128. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 45 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining 

the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual 

orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative 

means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil 

Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

LP-240S (08/2021) Supersedes LPS-240S EXP. DATE: 08/31/2024 

Page 193