Table 1. Summary of US standards for quality of individual shell eggs (USDA, 2024a)

Quality factor AAA A B
Air cell

1/8 inch (3.2 mm)

Unlimited movement and free or bubbly

3/16 inch (4.8 mm)

Unlimited movement and free or bubbly

Over 3/16 inch

Unlimited movement and free or bubbly

Yolk

Outline slightly defined

Practically free from defects

Outline fairly well defined

Practically free from defects

Outline plainly visible

Enlarge and flattened, no blood spots

Albumen

Clear, firm (with respect to a broken out egg, Haugh unit value of ≥76, measured at 7.2°C and 15.6°C)

Clear, reasonably firm (with respect to a broken out egg, Haugh unit value of 60 up to, measured at 7.2°C and 15.6°C)

Weak and watery (with respect to a broken out egg, Haugh unit value lower than 60, measured at 7.2°C and 15.6°C)

Blood and meat spots