Eggs packaged with the Grade A label shall meet all the provisions of ARM 32.12.301 and 32.12.302 except for the following.

1. (1) A flock must consist of birds located on the same farm and managed under identical supervision.
2. (2) A flock may be eligible for entry under the program when a sample of 25 eggs, drawn at random, averages 64 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 62 Haugh units or higher. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a flock may not be eligible if any sample contains more than 4 eggs measuring less than 60 Haugh units. The yolk of all eggs in the sample must have a well-rounded appearance with a reasonably uniform color.

3. (3) A flock may remain on the program provided:

   1. (a) A moving average of 62 Haugh units or higher is maintained;
   2. (b) The yolks of all eggs have a well-rounded appearance with a reasonably uniform color;
   3. (c) Not more than 2 eggs in any sample of 10 eggs measure less than 60 Haugh units.
4. (4) The biweekly or weekly average must be computed by averaging the results obtained by testing 10 eggs from each flock every other week (or weekly when required) . Samples must be drawn at random every other week (or weekly when required) from each flock from a single shipment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 5 eggs may be used as the sample size when the moving average is such that the flock would qualify under the provisions of ARM 32.12.301 and 32.12.302.
5. (5) A tolerance of 5% is permitted in any combination for C quality with respect to shell, meat or blood spots and checks. Dirties, leakers and loss eggs are not permitted.

Authorizing statute(s): Sec. 81-20-207 MCA

Implementing statute(s): Sec. 81-20-207 MCA

History: Eff. 12/31/72.