06/16/2026
🥚 Georgia Egg Producers:
Important Changes Coming July 1, 2026
I've been reading through the recent changes to Georgia law and wanted to share a quick summary for anyone who raises chickens and sells eggs directly to consumers.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Georgia's SB 551 repeals the state's Egg Law, including the requirement for producers selling eggs directly to consumers to obtain an Egg Candling License.
So what does that mean?
✅ You will no longer be required to complete the egg candling course and obtain a license before selling eggs directly to consumers.
✅ This removes a barrier that many small farms, homesteads, and backyard flock owners found difficult to navigate.
✅ More Georgians will have the opportunity to legally sell eggs from their flocks directly to their communities.
However, food safety is still important, and consumers still deserve clear information about the food they are purchasing.
If you're selling eggs, it's still a good idea to:
🥚 Keep eggs clean
🥚 Remove cracked or damaged eggs from sale.
🥚 Clearly label your cartons so customers know who produced the eggs.
🥚 Include a packed date or collection date whenever possible.
🥚 Provide safe handling and refrigeration information --> (SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria: Keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.)
Many producers have also asked about recycled cartons. While the old law restricted carton reuse, the important thing moving forward is making sure cartons are not misleading to consumers.
If you reuse cartons:
• Remove or completely cover old labels and dates.
• Cover any previous farm or store information.
• Make sure the carton clearly identifies you as the producer.
• Remove or cover claims that may not apply to your eggs.
The goal is simple: customers should know who produced the eggs and what they are buying.
Overall, this is a significant change and win for small farms and backyard flock owners across Georgia. It removes a licensing requirement while still allowing producers to focus on providing a safe, quality product to their customers.
