¿Puedes vender huevos de tus gallinas en Montana?

“This part does not affect the sale of eggs by a producer when the consumer purchases the eggs at the place of production or at a farmer's market as defined in 50-50-102”

“It is unlawful for a person to sell, offer, or expose for sale at wholesale or retail any eggs for human consumption without notifying the person purchasing or intending to purchase the eggs of the exact grade or quality and size or weight of the eggs”

“amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 94, L. 2013.”

"Farmer's market" means a farm premises, a food stand owned and operated by a farmer, or an organized market authorized by the appropriate municipal or county authority under 7-21-3301

“persons who sell or serve at a farmer's market or a food stand whole shell eggs, hot coffee, hot tea, homemade food or a homemade food product pursuant to Title 50, chapter 49, or other food not meeting the definition of potentially hazardous, as authorized by the appropriate municipal or county authority”

“A person may not buy, sell, or deal in eggs without first obtaining a wholesale egg dealer's license from the department for each establishment at which business is conducted.”

“A person buying, selling, or dealing in eggs, a major portion of which are produced by the person's own fowl or in amounts less than an average of 25 cases a month over a 12-month period, is exempt from the requirements of this section.”

“Wholesale and retail dealers who handle more than an average of 25 cases of eggs a month over a 12-month period and who are supplying eggs to consumers shall sell only eggs candled by or under the supervision of experienced and licensed graders.”

“If you are simply selling eggs from your backyard flock to friends and neighbors, directly from your farm or home -- good news - no license is needed! If, however, you want to sell your eggs at retail (i.e., a grocery store, cafe, etc.) then you need an egg grading license.”

“If you are selling more than 25 cases (30 dozen/case) a month that you have purchased from a shell egg producer, then you require an egg dealer license.”

“If you will have >3000 birds or are a grading station packing 25 cases per month, follow the link below to register for the USDA Shell Egg Surveillance Program”

“Meat, Milk, and Egg Inspection Bureau PO Box 202001 Helena, Montana 59620-2001 Phone: (406) 444-5202”

“Egg Candling/Grading licenses are issued by the Department of Livestock, Milk and Egg Bureau. The fee is $5.00, to be renewed annually (license is valid April 1 through March 31).”

“New cartons properly labeled (stored in a clean and dry area off the floor) … Dedicated refrigerator at farm ≤45°F”

“Submit label to your Sanitarian for review prior to retail sale of eggs. All cartons must have name and address of business (farm)*, identity (eggs), quantity, grade, size, grader’s license number, and the following statement:”

“SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria … keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook … foods containing eggs thoroughly.”

“The wash water must be at least 20°F greater than the interior temperature of the egg (otherwise water is pulled into the egg). Minimum wash temperature is 90°F and must have adequate air flow around eggs when drying. Never soak eggs in the wash water.”

“If farm has 3,000 laying hens or fewer, no license is required from DPHHS, inspection from Department of Livestock is not required, and egg grading is not required.”

“Eggs must be stored at 45º F or lower. … Containers with information for other firms is prohibited.”

“If I’m selling directly to consumers at a farmer’s market, what requirements are there? … Eggs must be stored at 45º F or lower. … Containers (egg cartons) must be clean. … Eggs must be clean and free of cracks.”

“Best practices include not allowing eggs to come into direct contact with ice if stored in coolers. … Another best practice is labeling containers with the name and address of the vendor.”

“This refers to the farmer selling the eggs through grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, schools, and other third-party retailers.”

“A license is required through the Department of Livestock. … In order for retailers to accept eggs, they must be graded B or better, be in good condition (clean and unbroken), and be received at 45º F.”

“version 02.25.19”

“A $5.00 license fee, payable to the department of livestock, must accompany the completed application form.”

“Checked shell eggs may not be sold on or off premises to hospitals, institutions, nursing homes, convalescent homes, retirement homes, schools, whether privately or governmentally owned; or to food purveying establishments subject to licensing by the Montana department of health and environmental sciences, such as but not limited to, bakeries, restaurants, cafes”

“All eggs sold in consumer-size containers must be labeled in accordance with the Montana Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act as adopted and as may be amended.”

“If I’m selling directly to consumers at my farm, what requirements are there? … Containers with information for other firms is prohibited.”

“whole shell eggs if the whole shell eggs are clean, free of cracks, and stored in clean cartons at a temperature established by the department by rule;”

“Except for homemade food or a homemade food product pursuant to Title 50, chapter 49, food sold in a farmer's market must, if sold in a container, have a label similar to a label required of a cottage food product under 50-50-116”

“A fee may not be charged to a person who sells or serves whole shell eggs at a farmer's market if the whole shell eggs are clean, free of cracks, and stored in clean cartons that are labeled in accordance with department rules and kept at a temperature established by the department by rule.”

“it is in package form, unless it bears a label containing: (a) the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; (b) an accurate statement of the quantity of the contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count;”

“Whole shell eggs that are clean, free of cracks, and stored in clean cartons at < 45ºF.”

“Revised March 2022”