Virginia Eggs

FAQs

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Where does Virginia get their eggs from?

• Local Virginia Farms & Regional Producers
• Large-Scale Commercial Farms
• Integrated Poultry Companies
• Specialty and Organic Eggs
• Wholesalers and Distributors
• Neighboring States

The diverse sources allow Virginia to maintain a steady supply of eggs to meet the needs of its population. The state’s specific regulations related to egg production, as outlined by the Virginia State Department of Agriculture and Markets, influence how eggs are sourced and produced to meet state and federal standards. To Learn more contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

Top 5 Egg Consuming Cities in Virginia

There isn’t a specific ranking readily available that lists the top egg-eating cities in Virginia. However, cities with larger populations, high demand for food services, and a significant number of restaurants and food establishments are likely to consume more eggs. Based on population size and economic activities, the following cities are likely to be the top egg-consuming cities in Virginia:

1. Virginia Beach

• As the largest city in Virginia, Virginia Beach has a thriving tourism and hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes, which contribute significantly to egg consumption. The city’s population and tourist inflow make it a top consumer of eggs.

2. Norfolk

• Norfolk is home to a large military presence (including the largest naval base in the world) and a vibrant food service industry, which drives egg consumption. The city’s universities and diverse dining scene also boost demand for eggs.

3. Richmond

• The state capital, Richmond, has a significant population, numerous government offices, and a bustling food service industry. Its restaurants, cafes, and institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University contribute to high egg consumption.

4. Chesapeake

• Chesapeake, a rapidly growing city, has a large residential population and a strong food service sector. The presence of restaurants, grocery stores, and retail outlets makes it a significant consumer of eggs.

5. Arlington

• Located near Washington, D.C., Arlington has a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional demand for eggs. The city’s hotels, restaurants, and food service establishments, along with a growing population, contribute to high egg consumption.

Looking for reliable, high-quality wholesale egg supply in your city? Contact Eggs Unlimited today for competitive pricing, seamless distribution, and expert logistics support to meet all your egg needs.

What makes eggs from Virginia compliant?

Eggs from Virginia are compliant with various regulations and standards set at both federal and state levels, which ensure the quality, safety, and proper handling of the eggs. Key factors that contribute to compliance include:

1. USDA Grading and Inspection

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects and grades eggs based on quality standards. These inspections ensure that eggs meet strict criteria for cleanliness, shell integrity, and internal quality. Virginia’s eggs that meet these standards carry USDA grading marks such as Grade AA, A, or B.

2. Food Safety and Egg Handling Laws

• Compliance with the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) is mandatory. This federal law regulates the processing, labeling, and inspection of eggs to ensure they are safe for human consumption. It mandates that eggs sold in interstate commerce be pasteurized, cleaned, and properly labeled.
• Additionally, producers must follow FDA guidelines under the Egg Safety Rule, which requires farms to implement measures to prevent contamination, especially by Salmonella Enteritidis, a common egg-borne bacteria.

3. Avian Health Regulations

• Virginia’s eggs are produced under stringent guidelines that include measures to prevent and manage outbreaks of diseases like Avian Influenza. Flock health is monitored through programs like the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), which certifies that eggs are produced under disease-free conditions.

4. Cage-Free and Organic Certifications

• Many egg producers in Virginia follow specific standards for cage-free or organic egg production. These certifications ensure that eggs come from hens raised in environments meeting certain welfare and dietary requirements, complying with consumer preferences and state regulations.

5. Environmental and Welfare Compliance

• In response to consumer and regulatory demands, producers may also adhere to guidelines aimed at reducing environmental impacts and improving animal welfare. This can include compliance with sustainability goals or cage-free mandates, as seen in other states like California. Virginia producers may implement similar practices to meet these evolving standards.

It’s important to note that eggs produced in Virginia are also subject to federal regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These federal regulations, which cover issues like food safety, are applicable to all eggs sold in the United States.

To ensure that eggs are “Virginia compliant,” producers and distributors must adhere to these regulations and standards. Consumers can look for the required labeling and packaging information to help determine the quality and safety of the eggs they purchase. To Learn more contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

The egg industry is served by multiple large egg producers and distributors within the state. The Virginia egg market is diverse, with various suppliers and brands competing. Eggs Unlimited is one of the largest egg suppliers and has one of the largest networks in the industry. 

For more information contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com

Who is the largest supplier of eggs in Virginia?

The egg industry is served by multiple large egg producers and distributors within the state. The Virginia egg market is diverse, with various suppliers and brands competing. Eggs Unlimited is one of the largest egg suppliers and has one of the largest networks in the industry. 

For more information contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com

How much do eggs cost in Virginia?

The cost of eggs in Virginia, like in other places, can vary based on several factors, including the type of eggs (conventional, cage-free, organic, free-range, etc.), the brand, the store, the carton sizing, and the region within Virginia. Common carton sizing in the state:

• A dozen eggs (12 eggs) large white or brown eggs typically in most areas of Virginia
• 18-count carton of large white or brown eggs
• 15 dozen eggs (180 eggs) in Virginia, for large white or brown eggs
• 30 dozen eggs (360 eggs) in Virginia, for large white or brown eggs

Prices can change over time, and regional variations can be significant. To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for eggs in Virginia, I recommend contacting wholesale suppliers, egg distributors, or checking with local stores or online retailers for bulk purchasing options. Eggs Unlimited can directly put you in touch with these sources for bulk purchasing needs. eusales@eggsunlimited.com

The number of eggs in a case can vary depending on the type and size of the eggs, as well as the packaging standards of the producer or distributor. The most common case sizes for chicken eggs in the United States are:

How many egg are in a case?

• 5-Dozen Case: There are 5 dozen (60 eggs) in a 5-dozen case.
• 10-Dozen Case: While less common, you might also find 10-dozen cases, which contain 120 eggs.
• 15-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 15 dozen or 180 eggs in a 15-dozen case.
• 30-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 30 dozen or 360 eggs in a 30-dozen case.

Contact Eggs Unlimited today! eusales@eggsunlimited.com

Selling eggs commercially in Virginia involves a more structured and regulated process, especially if you plan to sell eggs to grocery stores, restaurants, or other commercial entities. Here are 11 steps to sell eggs commercially in Virginia:

How to sell commercial eggs in Virginia?

Selling eggs commercially in Virginia involves a more structured and regulated process, especially if you plan to sell eggs to grocery stores, restaurants, or other commercial entities. Here are 11 steps to sell eggs commercially in Virginia:

1. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

• Egg Dealer License: In Virginia, you must register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) if you are selling eggs commercially. This involves obtaining an Egg Wholesaler License or Egg Retailer License if you’re selling to retailers or consumers directly.
• Local Business License: You may also need to obtain a business license from your local city or county, depending on where your business operates.

2. Comply with Federal and State Regulations

• FDA Egg Safety Rule: Virginia complies with the FDA’s Egg Safety Rule, which aims to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. The rule requires:
  • Refrigeration: Eggs must be stored at or below 45°F within 36 hours of laying and kept at that temperature during transportation and sale.
  • Sanitation: Producers must implement sanitation controls to maintain clean environments, with regular cleaning and disinfection.
  • Environmental Testing: For producers with more than 3,000 laying hens, environmental testing for Salmonella is required.
• USDA Grading and Inspection: Grading eggs based on USDA standards is optional, but preferred by many retailers. Grading assesses egg quality based on factors such as shell condition and yolk quality. The grades are AA, A, and B.
• Virginia Egg Law: Eggs sold in Virginia must meet specific labeling and grading requirements set by the state. These include:
  • Proper labeling with the name and address of the producer or packer.
  • Egg grade and size (e.g., Grade A Large).
  • Expiration or sell-by date to ensure freshness.
  • Eggs must meet minimum weight standards for the grade and size.

3. Egg Storage and Transportation

• Refrigeration Requirements: Eggs must be stored at or below 45°F at all times, from the point of collection to the point of sale, to prevent bacterial growth and ensure freshness.
• Transportation Standards: Eggs must be transported in clean, temperature-controlled vehicles that maintain proper refrigeration. This ensures eggs remain safe and fresh during delivery.

4. Packaging and Labeling

• Grading and Sorting: For retail sales, eggs should be graded based on USDA or Virginia state standards. Graded eggs are typically more appealing to consumers and retailers, as grading reflects quality.
• Labeling Requirements: Virginia requires that all egg cartons include the following information:
  • Producer’s or packer’s name and address.
  • Grade and size of the eggs.
  • Sell-by or expiration date.
  • Storage instructions for consumers, such as “Keep Refrigerated.”

5. Market and Distribution Channels

• Retail Sales: Eggs can be sold through grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and specialty food stores. Establishing relationships with local retailers is key to getting your eggs into stores. Many retailers prefer working with licensed and inspected producers.
• Wholesale Sales: Eggs can also be sold to restaurants, hotels, and other food service providers. Securing wholesale contracts can help provide steady demand and revenue.
• Farmers’ Markets and Direct Sales: Selling directly to consumers at farmers’ markets or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs is common for smaller producers. Eggs sold directly must still comply with labeling, grading, and refrigeration requirements.

6. Cage-Free, Free-Range, and Organic Certification

• Cage-Free and Free-Range Requirements: Producers who market their eggs as cage-free or free-range must adhere to specific animal welfare standards. This often involves providing hens with more space or access to the outdoors.
• Organic Certification: To sell organic eggs, hens must be raised in compliance with USDA Organic Standards, which require them to be fed organic, non-GMO feed and have access to the outdoors. USDA Organic Certification is required to label eggs as organic.

7. Biosecurity and Health Standards

• Biosecurity Measures: Virginia egg producers must implement biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of diseases like Avian Influenza. This includes restricting access to farm areas, maintaining clean facilities, and monitoring flock health.
• Inspections by VDACS: The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducts inspections to ensure compliance with state and federal food safety standards, including proper labeling, storage, and sanitation.

8. Set Competitive Pricing and Contracts

• Pricing Strategy: Price your eggs based on production costs, current market prices, and demand in your area. Specialty eggs like organic or cage-free may command higher prices due to their premium appeal.
• Contracts with Buyers: Establish long-term contracts with retailers or wholesalers to ensure consistent demand for your eggs. Contracts help provide financial stability and predictable sales volumes.

9. Promote and Brand Your Eggs

• Marketing and Branding: Promote your eggs as fresh, local, and high-quality, especially if they are organic or free-range. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for eggs that meet higher animal welfare or environmental standards.
• Local Branding: Emphasizing that your eggs are produced locally in Virginia can attract consumers who prefer to support local farmers.

10. Monitor Egg Market Trends

• Stay updated on trends in egg consumption and pricing. Consumer demand for organic, cage-free, or free-range eggs is growing, and this may influence your production or marketing strategies.

11. Consult an Industry Expert:

Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading suppliers of eggs in Virginia. Contact us today and we can help you every step of the way! https://www.eggsunlimited.com/contact/ 

Selling eggs commercially in Virginia requires a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, food safety, and the commercial distribution process. It’s advisable to work closely with relevant government agencies and seek expert advice to ensure your commercial egg business operates legally and successfully. Contact Eggs Unlimited today! eusales@eggsunlimited.com 

Virginia EGG CERTIFICATIONS

The United Egg Producers (UEP) has developed guidelines for conventional hen housing. To qualify as UEP-certified, processors are subject to site visits, where they must verify that their hens meet UEP guidance. Eggs from certified farms may have a UEP label on their packaging. Eggs Unlimited offers UEP-certified products, along with USDA-certified conventional eggs and non-UEP production.

WHY EGGS UNLIMITED?

Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading global suppliers of conventional eggs. We have the experience and market knowledge to help save our customers time and money. We work with some of the largest egg producers, retailers, distributors, foodservice organizations, QSRs, and processors in the US and around the world. They trust us to provide competitive prices and take care of logistics from pickup to delivery. 

We act as an extension of our customers’ procurement or sales teams, creating value, providing solutions, and delivering on time and in full. The company is built on family values, and we strive to work harder than anyone in the industry to service the needs of our customers.

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR LOCAL Virginia EGG STRATEGY!

Get in touch with the Eggs Unlimited Sales team to discover all your conventional egg options. 

Call: 888-554-3977

E-mail: eusales@eggsunlimited.com.