Is Grading of Eggs Mandatory?
USDA's grading service is voluntary; egg packers who request it,  pay for it.  The USDA grade shield on the carton means that the eggs were graded for quality and checked for weight (size) under the supervision of a trained USDA grader. Compliance with quality standards, grades, and weights is monitored by USDA.  State agencies monitor compliance for egg producers who do not use the USDA grading service.  These cartons will bear a term such as "Grade A" on their cartons without the USDA shield.

What Are Egg Grades?
There are three consumer grades for eggs:  U.S. Grade AA, A, and B.  The grade is determined by the interior quality of the egg and the appearance and condition of the egg shell.  Eggs of any quality grade may differ in weight (size).

• U.S. Grade AA eggs have whites that are thick and firm; yolks that are high, round, and practically free from defects; and clean, unbroken shells.  Grade AA and Grade A eggs are best for frying and poaching where appearance is important.
• U.S. Grade A eggs have characteristics of Grade AA eggs except that the whites are "reasonably" firm.  This is the quality most often sold in stores.
• U.S. Grade B eggs have whites that may be thinner and yolks that may be wider and flatter than eggs of higher grades.  The shells must be unbroken, but may show slight stains.  This quality is seldom found in retail stores because they are usually used to make liquid, frozen, and dried egg products.

Sizing of Eggs
Size tells you the minimum required net weight per dozen eggs.  It does not refer to the dimensions of an egg or how big it looks.  While some eggs in the carton may look slightly larger or smaller than the rest, it is the total weight of the dozen eggs that puts them in one of the following classes: