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The handling of eggs is different from State to State, however all the rules are pretty much identical from State to State as well. Speaking for Washington, only, even though I suspect the rules to be the same elsewhere, to sell eggs off your premises you must:
a) have an egg vendor/handling license
b) submit your facilities to inspection
c) have use by dates, safe handling instructions on your packaging
d) if you grade or size the eggs, they will inspect that too during your inspeciton
e) clean all eggs, use clean packaging and properly label eggs (each dozen needs a stamp on them in my state)
So, no you do not need USDA approval to sell eggs to a grocery store or at a Farmer's Market. You need State approval.
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Maybe true, but I'm skeptical. Poultry and rabbit slaughter/inspection is also a State by State thing. Only if you process over 19,999 chickens a year does your facility require USDA inspection. So, she is incorrect in stating it requires a USDA stamp. (Note, Oregon currently requires USDA inspection for meat chickens, but as I understand there are some waivers for the requirement for people who grow & process themselves).
So it depends really on the laws in your state. Ask your extension agent as they get this question all the time I bet.
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If you sell them from your house, then probably not. If you want to leave your driveway and take them to work, or a market, then probably you do. It's pretty easy, at least here. Again ask your Extension Agent as they probably have a pamphlet all ready there expaining the rules in your State.
I have about 110 hens and I get my annual inspection. It's no big deal and my food safety inspectors are great resources for questions.
The lady is probably just frightening you off because she doesn't want inspection.
P.S. IF YOU ARE GOING TO SELL EGGS, GET INSURANCE BEFORE YOU DO SO. PERIOD. DO IT.
