United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Egg-Grading Manual Agricultural Marketing Service Agricultural Handbook Number 75 This manual is an aid in teaching both beginning and experienced egg graders the correct interpretation and application of the U.S. standards, grades, and weight classes for eggs. It can serve as a guide in short courses or grading schools when supplemented with lectures, group discussions, and demonstrations. This manual should also prove useful to those teaching or working in the production, processing, and marketing of eggs. Although some of the material in this manual is not directly related to the actual grading function, knowledge of it will help graders do a better job in handling eggs and in maintaining egg quality. Such information will give graders a better understanding of their job, and will aid them in acquiring the knowledge necessary to do their jobs well. This manual provides graders with an understanding of egg marketing, the purpose of grading, production and processing practices, and Federal-State grading programs. An in-depth description of USDA's egg grading and certification programs is provided for use by processors, marketers, volume food buyers, and retailers to enhance their procurement and quality control activities. Content: I. Introduction II. Production and Maintenance of Egg Quality III. Structure, Composition, and Formation of the Egg IV. Grading V. Quality Factors VI. U.S. Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs VII. Determining Interior Quality by Hand Candling. VIII. Determining Interior Quality by the Breakout Method IX. Egg Grading and Certification Services X. Official Grade Labeling and Identification XI. Certification to Specific Purchase Requirements XII. Plant Sanitation and Good Manufacturing Practices (PSGMP) Program XIII. Legislation Affecting Grading and Marketing of Eggs XIV. Egg Quality Schools and Training Sessions XV. Resource Materials Available. Notice: Full version, All Chapters included. This publication is available (Electronic version) in the official website of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Disclaimer: "The use or appearance of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), text, images or logos, Seals on this version does not imply or constitute endorsement of the distribution service."