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Food Safety Works Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network

SAFEFOOD NEWS - Summer 1999 - Vol 3 / No. 3

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New Food Labeling & Handling Rules Proposed for Shell Eggs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced three new measures to help prevent illnesses caused by contaminated eggs.

The FDA is proposing to require safe handling statements on labels of shell eggs to warn consumers about the risk of illness caused by Salmonella enteritidis. The FDA's proposed handling instructions will contain the following statement on each carton of eggs:

SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: Eggs may contain harmful bacteria known to cause serious illness, especially in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. For your protection: Keep eggs refrigerated; cook eggs until yolks are firm; and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.

In addition, for the first time there will be a uniform federal requirement that all eggs and egg products packed for consumers be refrigerated at 45 degrees or below. Beginning August 27, 1999, this rule will apply to FSIS-regulated warehouses and other distribution locations that store shell eggs packed into containers destined for consumers, including transport vehicles. The rule also has been proposed for retail establishments governed by FDA. These include supermarkets, restaurants, delis, caterers, vending operations, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. A joint FDA-FSIS risk assessment found that refrigeration makes it more difficult for Salmonella enteridis to grow.

Finally, the President's Council on Food Safety will develop by November 1 a strategic plan to further improve the safety of shell eggs and processed egg products. The strategic plan will address the issue of controlling pathogens and will suggest further steps to help better coordinate egg safety from the farm to the table.

A copy of the proposed rule is available at the following website: http://www.fda.gov/cfsan. The deadline for submitting comments is September 20, 1999.

Source: HHS Media Release, July 1, 1999.

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Updated Monday, August 29, 2011