(1) The quality factor of
albumen firmness must be determined by the broken-out score, measured in Haugh
units. The condition of the yolk shall be observed during such tests. The break-out
test must be made every other week unless the break-out records indicate
a variation in individual eggs or averages beyond that normally expected for
this program, in which case the break-out must be made weekly. The test must be
accomplished at the assembly plant or at the farm in the event the eggs go
directly from the farm to the store. Eggs which do not meet the requirements of
AA quality with respect to shell texture or shape may not be selected as part
of any sample that is to be broken out and scored. Sampling, break-out
testing, and maintenance of records of break-out tests must be done by or
under the immediate supervision of a licensed grader.
(2) The internal temperature of the eggs may not be lower than 45�F. or higher
than 60�F. at the time of making the break-out test. Eggs must be placed
under refrigeration at a temperature not to exceed 50�F. and a relative
humidity of approximately 70% promptly after packaging.
(3) A flock may become eligible for entry under the program when a sample of
25 eggs, drawn at random, averages 76 Haugh units or higher; or when 2 samples
of 25 eggs, each drawn at random (1 sample per week for 2 consecutive weeks) ,
each averages 74 Haugh units or higher. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a flock
may not be eligible if any sample contains more than 1 egg measuring less than
60 Haugh units. The yolk of all eggs in the sample must have well-rounded
appearance with a reasonably uniform color.
(4) A flock may remain on the program, provided:
(a) A moving average of 74 Haugh units or higher is maintained;
(b) The yolks of all eggs have a well-rounded appearance with a
reasonably uniform color;
(c) Not more than 1 egg in any sample of ten eggs or more measures less than
60 Haugh units.
(5) The biweekly or weekly average must be
computed by averaging the results obtained when testing eggs in accordance with
either part (a) or (b) of this paragraph. Samples must be drawn at random from
each flock from a single shipment every 2 weeks (or weekly when required) .
(a) A sample of 10 eggs must be tested when the
moving average is below 80 Haugh units and not more than 1 egg in the sample
may measure less than 60 Haugh units.
(b) A sample of 5 eggs may be tested when the moving
average is 80 Haugh units or above and the sample contains no eggs which
measure less than 60 Haugh units. If only 1 egg measures less than 60 Haugh
units, an additional 5 eggs must be tested. If this second 5-egg sample
contains no eggs below 60 Haugh units, the average of the 10 eggs must be used
in determining the biweekly or weekly average.
(6) The moving average must be computed by
averaging the results of the latest 2 biweekly or 4 weekly (when required) Haugh unit entries of a flock.
(7) Any flock which has been on the program and is excluded for failure to
meet the requirements may be reinstated by the same procedures used to
originally enter a flock on the program.
(8) Eggs with clean, unbroken, practically
normal shells from flocks which meet the provisions of this rule may be
packaged and officially labeled as Fresh Fancy Quality or Montana Consumer
Grade AA after removal of eggs containing blood and meat spots and loss eggs.
(9) Packages or sealing tapes shall bear in distinctly legible form a date
stated as the "month" and "day", or the number of the
"month" and "day" (i.e. "4-3" for April 3) ,
preceded by the letters "Exp." (for expiration) , or a statement such
as "Not to be Sold After". The expiration date may not exceed 10 days
from the date the eggs are packed, excluding the day of pack. The eggs must be
packed within 6 days from the time they are received at the plant (not counting
the day received) , or that shipment must be tested again for Haugh units and
other factors to determine their eligibility for packing. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, other systems of dating may be approved which accomplish the purpose
of this paragraph, providing application for such system is made in writing by
the applicant and concurred in by the administrator.
(10) Graders shall examine samples of packaged product as determined by
official directives of the administrator. A tolerance of 5% is permitted in any
combination of eggs that are of B quality or C quality with respect to shell, C
quality with respect to meat or blood spots and checks. Dirties, leakers and
loss eggs are not permitted.