What does RIISPOA require for eggs?

Which establishments grade eggs?

RIISPOA recognises two types of egg establishment: the poultry farm (granja avícola) and the egg processing unit (unidade de beneficiamento de ovos e derivados) (RIISPOA, art. 20). A farm grades eggs from its own production sold directly, and it may sell eggs to a processing unit. A processing unit receives, grades and processes eggs. Compare the two in poultry farm or egg processing unit.

Establishments must also have facilities and equipment for candling and grading, taking into account the technological particularities of each one (RIISPOA, art. 45). The candling capacity is a requirement of the establishment itself, and the decree allows for differences in technology. The guide on mandatory candling in Brazil covers the topic in detail.

Which steps does grading require?

An establishment must carry out four procedures: a general assessment of shell cleanliness and integrity, examination by candling, grading of the eggs, and a check of hygiene and packaging integrity (RIISPOA, art. 223). For an overview, see the grading steps.

What defines Class A and Class B?

Eggs for human consumption are graded as Class A or Class B, according to their qualitative characteristics (RIISPOA, art. 224). Grading by weight must follow the RTIQ, which the decree itself cites (RIISPOA, art. 224). To compare the two categories with EU rules, see Class A and Class B compared.

Class A requires a shell and cuticle of normal shape, smooth, clean and intact. The air cell must not exceed 6 mm in height and must be stationary. On candling the yolk shows only as a shadow, the white is clear and translucent, and the germ disc has imperceptible development (RIISPOA, art. 225). Details are in Class A requirements.

Class B covers eggs that are harmless but do not meet Class A, eggs with small, few blood spots in the white and yolk, and eggs from breeding establishments that were not incubated. These eggs are intended exclusively for industrial processing (RIISPOA, art. 226). See Class B eggs.

Where do cracked and dirty eggs go?

Clean cracked or broken eggs with an intact shell membrane go to industrial processing as quickly as possible (RIISPOA, art. 227). The procedure is in clean cracked eggs to breaking.

Dirty cracked eggs may not be used, or washed, to make egg products (RIISPOA, art. 228). The practical destination of these eggs is covered in disposing of dirty cracked eggs.

When is an egg unfit for human consumption?

An egg is unfit for human consumption as it is when it shows yolk stuck to the shell, a dark or blood spot that reaches the white, mummification, rot, fungal contamination or faecal dirt (RIISPOA, art. 500). It is also unfit when the shell is broken and the egg is dirty, or when the shell and membranes are broken (RIISPOA, art. 500). The full list of seven cases is in eggs unfit for consumption.

This summary does not replace the text of the decree. Read the official text of Decree 9.013/2017 before making decisions about your line.

Frequently asked questions

Can a cracked egg be sold as Class A?

No, when the shell is broken. Class A requires an intact shell and cuticle (RIISPOA, art. 225). A clean cracked egg with an intact membrane goes to industrial processing as quickly as possible (RIISPOA, art. 227).

Does RIISPOA require candling?

Yes. RIISPOA lists candling as one of the grading procedures and requires facilities and equipment for it (RIISPOA, arts. 45 and 223). The decree allows for the technological particularities of each establishment. The guide on mandatory candling in Brazil explains its role in practice.

Can dirty cracked eggs be used to make egg products?

No. RIISPOA bans both the use and the washing of dirty cracked eggs for making egg products (RIISPOA, art. 228). The guide on disposing of dirty cracked eggs explains what happens to them in practice.

Sources

1. Decreto nº 9.013/2017 (RIISPOA), Presidência da República (Brasil)