Section 65.50  Master Container Labeling Requirements

a)         All master containers, whether full or partial containing bulk (loose) eggs offered, exposed or packed for sale, or transported for sale within the State shall bear a label stamped on the container or a removable tag affixed to the container on the top rung showing the following information in a conspicuous manner:

1)         Grade and size – in letters not less than ½ inch in height.

2)         Name and address of packer or Illinois Egg License number or USDA plant number or egg license number from another state where eggs were packed, in letters not less than ¼ inch in height.

3)         The exact date on which the eggs were candled and graded.  This candling date must be legible and accurate and appear in letters and numbers in Julian date code or exact date of pack not less than ¼ inch in height. Predating is not permitted. Illegible dates shall be considered as no dates.

4)         In addition to the above labeling requirements, an expiration date shall be required on all loose pack master containers.  Use of qualifying prefixes required by USDA standards is allowable.

b)         Wire or plastic baskets (master containers) containing consumer-size cartons with the labeling information required by 8 Ill. Adm. Code 65.30 exposed to view are exempt from labeling the master container itself.

c)         Master containers, containing consumer-size containers where the labeling information is not exposed to view, must be labeled with one of the following means of identification:

1)         name and address of packer;

2)         state license number;

3)         USDA plant number; or

4)         egg license number from another state.

(Source:  Amended at 43 Ill. Reg. 4799, effective April 15, 2019)