Eggs sold in the marketplace must meet or exceed which US consumer quality standard?

In the U.S. marketplace, eggs must meet or exceed the standards set by the USDA, which primarily classify eggs into different grades based on quality. The grading system for eggs includes Grade AA, Grade A, and Grade B, with Grade AA being the highest quality in terms of appearance, interior quality, and freshness.

Grade A eggs are a common standard for consumers, providing a balance of quality and value, but the baseline requirement for eggs sold commercially is actually Grade B. This means that Grade B is the minimum quality standard that eggs must attain to be acceptable for sale to consumers.

Grade C eggs are generally not sold on retail markets for fresh consumption; they are typically used for processing. Therefore, the emphasis on Grade B reflects the minimum criteria necessary to ensure that consumers receive a product that is safe and of acceptable quality.

Understanding these grading standards helps consumers make informed decisions when purchasing eggs and ensures transparency in the food supply chain.