What does candling refer to in egg inspection?

Candling is a specific method used in the inspection of eggs, which involves examining the interior of an egg by passing it in front of a bright light source. This technique allows inspectors to verify various quality indicators, such as the development of the embryo, the size of air cells, and the presence of any internal defects. When light is shone through the egg, it illuminates the contents and facilitates the assessment of the egg's freshness, the condition of the yolk and albumen, and the presence of any undesirable elements, such as blood spots or cracks that might not be visible on the shell.

The other options, while relevant to the overall inspection and grading of eggs, do not accurately reflect the process of candling as specifically defined in industry practices. For example, checking shell integrity focuses on the exterior of the egg, while measuring egg weight and testing for flavor quality pertain to different aspects of egg quality assessment. Candling distinctly highlights the examination of the egg’s interior, making it the appropriate choice in this context.