Maryland’s Backyard Egg Selling Laws: A Complete Guide (2025 Update)

Selling eggs from backyard chickens has become a popular way for small-scale homesteaders and local entrepreneurs to generate income while offering fresh, high-quality food to their communities. However, in Maryland, selling eggs is not as simple as collecting them from the coop and placing them on the market table.

To ensure food safety, consumer protection, and legal compliance, Maryland enforces specific regulations that apply to all egg producers — whether you have just a few hens or a larger flock. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selling eggs legally in Maryland, including registration, grading, labeling, storage, sales locations, and potential penalties for non-compliance.

1. Registration Requirements

Before you can legally sell any eggs in Maryland, you must register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). This applies to all egg producers, regardless of the number of chickens in your flock.

Key Points:

• Mandatory Registration: All egg sellers — even those with only a handful of chickens — must register.
• Annual Fees:
• No fee if your flock has 3,000 hens or fewer.
• For flocks with more than 3,000 hens, there is a base fee of $30 per year plus $0.08 per 30-dozen case produced.

Premises Registration

Registering your egg production also automatically enrolls you in the MDA Poultry Premise Registration Program, which helps track and manage poultry populations for disease control, especially during outbreaks like avian influenza.

Tip: Register early — the process typically takes several days and involves submitting basic information about your premises and flock size.

2. Grading & Sizing Requirements

One of the most important distinctions in Maryland egg law is that no ungraded eggs may be sold. Unlike some states where “ungraded” eggs are allowed at farmers markets, Maryland requires every egg sold to be graded and sized according to USDA standards.

Egg Grades

Eggs are categorized into three grades:

Grade	Description
AA	Highest quality: clean, unbroken shells; thick, firm whites; centered yolks
A	Most commonly sold in stores: similar to AA but with slightly less firm whites
B	Minor stains or defects; not for retail sale — used in commercial food processing

Important: Grade B eggs cannot be sold directly to consumers. If you collect these, they must be separated and either discarded or sold to approved processors.

Egg Sizes

Egg sizes are based on the total weight of a dozen eggs, not individual size.

Size	Minimum Dozen Weight	Approximate Individual Weight
Jumbo	30 oz	2.42 oz
Extra Large	27 oz	2.17 oz
Large	24 oz	1.92 oz
Medium	21 oz	1.67 oz
Small	18 oz	1.42 oz
PeeWee	15 oz	N/A

Labeling Rule: Both grade and size must be clearly printed on cartons using at least ¼-inch letters.

3. Labeling & Packaging Rules

Proper labeling is critical to avoid misleading customers and to comply with MDA regulations. Every egg carton sold must contain specific information.

Required Information on Cartons:

• Producer’s full name, address, and phone number
• MDA registration number (provided after registration)
• Lot number (usually “Lot #1” for small producers)
• Grade and size (e.g., “Grade A Large”)
• Safe handling instructions (e.g., “Keep Refrigerated”)

Using Recycled Cartons

If you reuse store-bought egg cartons:

• Must black out or remove:
• USDA grade shield
• Original packer/distributor info
• Sell-by dates
• Any unverified claims (like “Omega-3” or “Cage-Free”)

Note: Misleading labels such as “Farm Fresh” without accompanying grade and size may violate state law.

4. Health & Safety Standards

Maryland’s egg laws emphasize food safety, particularly because raw eggs are considered a high-risk food due to the potential for Salmonella contamination.

Storage & Transportation

• Eggs must be stored and transported at 45°F or below.
• Coolers with ice packs are allowed, but melting ice must not come into contact with egg cartons, as this can cause cross-contamination.

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Dirty eggs must be sanitized using hot water and a 100 ppm chlorine spray solution.
• Use food-grade soap and EPA-approved sanitizers.
• Water temperature should be warmer than the egg to prevent bacteria from being drawn into the shell.

Prohibited Eggs

You are not allowed to sell:

• Cracked or leaking eggs
• Eggs with visible dirt or blood spots
• Grade B eggs to consumers

5. Where & How You Can Sell Eggs

Once you’re registered and compliant, you can begin selling eggs in various venues.

Legal Sales Venues:

• Farmers markets
• Roadside stands
• Direct farm sales (on-site or through delivery)

Local Zoning Restrictions: Some counties in Maryland may have local ordinances restricting the number of chickens or prohibiting the sale of eggs altogether. Always check with your county zoning office before starting operations.

Invoice Requirements (For Wholesale Sales)

If you’re selling eggs to restaurants or grocery stores:

• Invoices must include:
• Seller and buyer contact information
• Date of delivery
• Egg grade, size, and quantity
• Inspection fees (if applicable)

Advertising Guidelines

• Avoid misleading claims such as “Hormone-free” (all U.S. eggs are hormone-free by law).
• Don’t use terms like “Organic,” “Free-Range,” or “Pasture-Raised” unless you are certified by the appropriate agency (e.g., USDA Organic).

6. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to follow Maryland’s egg laws can result in serious consequences, both financially and legally.

Potential Penalties Include:

• Fines ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars depending on the violation
• Product seizure (your eggs may be confiscated)
• Legal liability if contaminated eggs cause illness or injury

Recent Outbreak Alert (2025): A Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard eggs resulted in 134 illnesses and 1 death, underscoring the importance of following safe handling practices.

Key Takeaways

• Register with the MDA – required for all egg sellers
• Grade and size every egg – no ungraded eggs allowed
• Label cartons correctly – include MDA number, lot number, and safe handling instructions
• Maintain proper refrigeration – keep eggs at 45°F or lower
• Sanitize dirty eggs properly – follow MDA cleaning guidelines
• Check local zoning laws – ensure you’re allowed to raise chickens and sell eggs
• Avoid misleading advertising – only use certified labels and accurate claims

Where to Find Official Information

For the most up-to-date and official guidance, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture website or consult the University of Maryland Extension resources:

MDA Egg Regulations
University of Maryland Extension – Selling Eggs

Final Thoughts

By understanding and complying with Maryland’s egg laws, you can run a safe, legal, and successful backyard egg business. Whether you’re selling to neighbors or at a weekly farmers market, following these rules ensures not only your legal standing but also the health and trust of your customers.