FDA Cracks Down with Egg Safety Rule

WASHINGTON D.C. – As of July 9, shell egg producers with at least 3,000 but fewer than 50,000 laying hens must comply with the FDA’s Egg Safety Rule, the agency announced on July 9.

The Egg Safety Rule requires that shell egg producers put measures into place to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis from contaminating shell eggs during their production, storage and transport. The rule was finalized in 2009 and designed to prevent thousands of illnesses and dozens of deaths each year from the consumption of eggs contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, the agency said.

The requirements for industry compliance with the regulations were phased in over a three year period based on the number of laying hens in each operation. The FDA has published Guidance for Industry regarding implementation of the Egg Safety Rule, as well as draft guidance that addresses questions the agency has received about the final rule since its publication.

The FDA also intends to publish draft guidance for producers who provide their laying hens with outdoor access.