1. (1) These grades are applicable to edible shell eggs in "lot" quantities rather than on an "individual" egg basis. Reference to these standards to the term "case" means 30 dozen eggs per case as used in commercial practices in the United States. A minimum number of 100 eggs must be examined per sample case. For lots which consist of less than 1 case, a minimum of 50 eggs must be examined. If the lot consists of less than 50 eggs, all eggs will be examined. Whenever grading service is performed on a representative sample basis, such sample must be drawn and consist of not less than the minimum number of cases as indicated in the following table:
2. (2) Terms used in this sub-chapter that are defined in the Montana standards for quality of individual shell eggs (see sub-chapter 2) have the same meaning in this rule as in those standards.
3. (3) Aggregate tolerances are permitted within each grade only as an allowance for variable efficiency and interpretation of graders, normal changes under favorable conditions during reasonable periods between grading, and reasonable variations of grader's interpretation.
4. (4) Substitution of higher qualities for lower qualities specified is permitted.
5. (5) The percentage requirements for grades set forth in ARM 32.12.502 are applicable except that interior quality factors shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of sub-chapter 3 when the lot is labeled "Produced and Marketed Under Federal-State Quality Control Program".

6. (6) "No grade" means eggs of possible edible quality that fail to meet the requirements of an official Montana grade or that have been contaminated by smoke, chemicals, or other foreign material which has seriously affected the character, appearance, or flavor of the eggs.

   MINIMUM NUMBER OF CASES, RANDOMLY SELECTED, COMPRISING

   A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE

   Cases in Lot Cases in Sample

   1 Case.................................................................................................................................................. 1

   2 to 10 Cases, inclusive..................................................................................................................... 2

   11 to 25 " ............................................................................................................................ 3

   26 to 50 " ............................................................................................................................ 4

   51 to 100 " ........................................................................................................................... 5

   101 to 200 " ........................................................................................................................... 8

   201 to 300 " ........................................................................................................................... 11

   301 to 400 " ........................................................................................................................... 13

   401 to 500 " ........................................................................................................................... 14

   501 to 600 " ........................................................................................................................... 16

   For each additional 50 cases, or fraction thereof, in excess of 600 cases, 1 additional case must be included in the sample.

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

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

History: Eff. 12/31/72.