Through the application of uniform grade standards, shell eggs can be classified according to a range of quality characteristics. Buyers, sellers, and consumers alike can communicate about these characteristics through a common language. USDA has developed quality grade standards for shell eggs. In order for shell eggs to be eligible for an official USDA grade designation, they must be graded by a plant grader and then certified by a USDA grader. The classes define the minimum net weight per dozen eggs.
Graders check shell egg weights during the grading process to ensure their accuracy.
The contract acceptance service ensures the integrity, quality, and weight of shell eggs bought by volume buyers such as food manufacturers, food service operators, and food retailers. USDA specialists help institutional buyers develop and prepare explicit shell egg specifications tailored to their requirements. USDA graders then provide certification that purchases comply with these specifications. Product meeting specified requirements is eligible for and identified with an official USDA identification mark. Also, an official grading certificate accompanies each shipment to the receiving agency.