- Jan 23, 2010
- 2
- 0
- 7
My local green market asked me to sell my eggs on Saturdays but I didn't want to label my eggs as "pet food" nor as "not for humane consumption" (because of course that would be misleading since my hens provide me w/the most delicious & most nutritious eggs possible ). So, I started researching how to "legally" sell my eggs. The Florida statue only outlines the federal & USDA regulations & licensing applicable to sellers, dealers, handlers etc... raising more than 3000 layers and selling more than 30 dozen eggs per week. This begged the question, what if I wish to sell less than 30 dz eggs/wk? Because there is no state statute for less than 3000 layers and/or less than 30 dz eggs/wk, Florida determines the regulations by "rule". By rule, we are permitted to sell less than 30 dz/wk if; a) the eggs are first washed in a 3 compartment sink which is b) in a free standing facility which conforms to Florida Building code & has running cold/hot water, once dried c) the eggs are displayed on carton flats only and d) a sign displayed in proximity stating "unclassified eggs not candled for quality or graded for size" and you have e) secured a mobile food permit. I have my eggs, I will take them to a friend's restaurant w/a 3 compartment sink (this address to be listed), to be washed (even though I know washing is what degrades the shells), dried, I will display them on a carton flat, w/the sign in proximity and as people wish to purchase my 1/2 dz or 1 dz eggs, they will tell me how many, and will pack the carton in front of them, they hand me the cash, and off they go w/their carton. I will sell the cartons for $.25 or they can bring their own cartons e/wk. The permit application is "Request for Initial Inspection & Food Permit Application" #DACS-14221 amended 6/05. The permit is $140. If you wish to candle & grade your eggs, you can do so, but I don't want the additional inspection nor costs associated for the equipment. If you own agricultural property, you can sell fresh kill chicken & less than 30 dz eggs "at your gate". There is also this rule but I don't know enough on it to comment beyond that, since I don't own agricultural property. Good luck to all!