Section 1352 - California Standards of Quality for Individual Shell Eggs(a) General. California standards of quality for individual shell eggs are applicable only to eggs that are a product of domesticated chickens. Except as provided in Section 1356.2, no eggs lower than Grade B shall be sold for human consumption. Interior quality is based on the apparent condition of the egg contents when examined before a candling light. Any type candling light may be used which will enable the grader to make an accurate determination of the grading factors affecting egg quality.
(b) AA Quality. The shell must be clean and unbroken. The air cell is limited to a 1/8 inch depth at origin, 3/16 inch at destination, and may be free and bubbly. The white must be clear and the yolk practically free of apparent defects.(c) A Quality. The shell must be clean and unbroken. The air cell is limited to a 3/16 -inch depth at origin, 1/4 inch at destination, and may be free and bubbly. The white must be clear and the yolk practically free of apparent defects.(d) B Quality. The shell must be unbroken and may have unlimited slight stains. Moderately stained areas are permitted if they cover no more than 1/32 of the shell surface, when localized, or 1/16 of the shell surface if scattered. Eggs having shells with prominent stains or adhering dirt are not permitted. The air cell depth may not exceed 3/8 inch, may show unlimited movement and be free and bubbly. The white may be weak and watery and the yolk outline plainly visible. The yolk may appear dark, enlarged and flattened, and with clearly visible germ development, but no blood due to such development. It may show other serious defects which do not render the egg inedible.(e) C Quality. An egg having an air cell over 3/8 inch in depth or small blood spots or clots aggregating no more than 1/8 inch in diameter.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 3, § 1352
Note: Authority cited: Sections 407 and 27531, Food and Agricultural Code. Reference: Sections 27531 and 27651, Food and Agricultural Code.